Ismael Haniyeh, the leader of Hamas, arrived in Cairo, Egypt, on Wednesday for negotiations with Israeli officials aimed at reaching a potential ceasefire and securing the release of hostages.
As the prominent face of Hamas for international diplomacy, Haniyeh is scheduled to meet with top Egyptian officials to advance negotiations with Israel. According to a statement from Hamas, Haniyeh will engage with Abbas Kamel, the Head of Egyptian Intelligence, who previously participated in talks with Mossad Chief David Barnea and Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani regarding ceasefire and hostage release.
Accompanied by senior Hamas leaders, Haniyeh's agenda includes discussions on increasing aid supplies to Gaza. The statement emphasized Haniyeh's intentions to request the withdrawal of the Israeli army from Gaza and the rehabilitation of displaced Palestinians within the region.
During a temporary one-week truce from November 24 to December 1, Hamas released 105 hostages, while at least 129 hostages remain in captivity. The Israelis fear that among the remaining hostages, at least 20 may have died.
Israel initiated a ground offensive in Gaza on October 27 following a surprise attack by Hamas on October 7, resulting in the death of 1,200 Israelis and the hostage-taking of over 200 individuals.
The conflict has led to a significant toll, with over 19,667 Palestinians, mostly children and women, losing their lives since the outbreak of hostilities between Hamas and Israel. Thousands of Palestinians are held in Israeli jails without trials and access to legal counsel.
(With Agency Inputs)
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