Hamas delegation to visit Cairo tomorrow for ceasefire talks amid escalating tensions with Israel

The ongoing conflict, now entering its seventh month, was ignited by an attack by Hamas militants on Israel on October 7.

A Hamas delegation is scheduled to travel to Cairo on Monday for discussions focused on securing a ceasefire, according to a Hamas official who spoke to Reuters on Sunday.

This move comes as mediators intensify their efforts to reach an agreement prior to potential Israeli military action in the southern city of Rafah.

The official, who preferred to remain anonymous, indicated that the delegation will engage in talks regarding a ceasefire proposal previously presented by Hamas to mediators from Qatar and Egypt, as well as Israel’s response.

Specific details of the latest proposals were not disclosed, reported Reuters.

The ongoing conflict, now entering its seventh month, was ignited by an attack by Hamas militants on Israel on October 7, resulting in casualties and hostages, according to Israeli reports.

Israel has expressed its determination to eliminate Hamas, the governing authority in Gaza, through a military campaign that has led to significant Palestinian casualties and displacement.

Senior Hamas official Khalil Al-Hayya stated on Friday that the group had received Israel’s response to its ceasefire proposal and was reviewing it before providing a response to Egyptian and Qatari mediators. Previous negotiation attempts have failed to bridge the gap between the two sides’ positions, with Hamas advocating for a permanent end to the conflict and the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza.

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Israel has offered a temporary ceasefire to secure the release of hostages and facilitate humanitarian aid delivery, but has emphasised its commitment to continuing operations until Hamas is dismantled.

Israel’s foreign minister suggested on Saturday that a planned incursion into Rafah, where a significant number of displaced Palestinians are seeking refuge, could be postponed pending progress in negotiations to release Israeli hostages.

Meanwhile, Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich urged Prime Minister Netanyahu not to retreat from an assault on Rafah, warning that accepting Egyptian proposals would be seen as a humiliating defeat.

Western nations, including the United States, have urged Israel to exercise restraint, particularly concerning potential civilian casualties in Rafah.

With inputs from Reuters.