Josep Borrell, the European Union's High Representative for Foreign Affairs, emphasized that a political transition must occur immediately following a ceasefire agreement and the exchange of detainees in the Gaza Strip. With the war between Israel and Hamas entering its seventh month, Borrell reiterated his condemnation of the attack carried out by Hamas in southern Israel, stating that "with this indiscriminate attack, Hamas has completely lost its legitimacy," adding that the group cannot represent the Palestinian people, according to the Arab World News Agency.
"The two-state solution is the only way," he continued, stating that "as soon as the hostages are released and a ceasefire is reached, a political transition must occur immediately," emphasizing that the two-state solution is "the only way to achieve lasting peace." He concluded by stating that the European Union is ready to provide effective support alongside the international community.
**New Round of Negotiations**
These remarks come at a time when the capital city of Cairo, Egypt, is hosting a new round of negotiations regarding a ceasefire and prisoner exchange between Israel and Hamas, involving delegations from Qatar and the United States, hoping to "overcome the obstacles" that have led to the "stagnation" of previous negotiation rounds.
An Israeli source revealed that the United States is expected to present a new proposal for a prisoner swap on Sunday evening, which will require significant concessions from both Israel and Hamas, according to the newspaper "Haaretz." It was added that "strong participation from the United States and the pressures it exerts could move the deadlock that the negotiations have reached."
Meanwhile, the newspaper "Yedioth Ahronoth" reported that the Israeli delegation tasked with negotiations arrived in Cairo on Sunday and is expected to meet with Qatari Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, Egyptian Intelligence Chief Abbas Kamel, and U.S. CIA Director William Burns. Furthermore, Hamas announced on Sunday evening that its delegation for the negotiations regarding the ceasefire and the exchange of detainees had arrived in Cairo and met with Kamel.
