A delegation from Hamas is heading to Cairo today, Friday, to discuss the Egyptian initiative aimed at ending the war in Gaza, according to a movement official. The Hamas delegation is expected to arrive in Cairo today to discuss an Egyptian plan that includes three phases, which stipulate extendable truces and the gradual release of dozens of prisoners held by Hamas in exchange for the release of Palestinians detained by Israel, ultimately leading to a ceasefire. The Egyptian initiative was presented last week to officials from Hamas and Islamic Jihad during visits by leaders from the two movements to Cairo.
In Cairo, the Hamas delegation will convey to the Egyptians "the response of the Palestinian factions, which includes several observations on their plan," according to a member of the Islamic movement who requested anonymity. The official added that these observations concern, in particular, "the methods of the expected exchanges, the number of Palestinians to be released, and obtaining guarantees for a complete Israeli military withdrawal from the Gaza Strip."
For his part, Osama Hamdan, a Hamas leader, stated that the movement wants a national authority that carries the liberation project, emphasizing that Israeli prisoners will not be released until a permanent ceasefire is implemented. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, during a meeting on Thursday in Tel Aviv with families of hostages, said, "We are in contact (with mediators) at this moment. I cannot provide further details. We are working to bring them all back. This is our goal."
