White House Announces Advancements in Negotiations in Cairo for a Truce in Gaza Strip
Thursday night in Egypt's bustling city of Cairo, discussions started, and Kirby described them as fruitful. According to him, both sides need to unite and work towards executing the plans next. Contrary to rumors, diplomacy isn't on the brink of failing, Kirby mentioned, adding that CIA Director William Burns is also part of these talks.
Representing Israel in these indirect negotiations, led by the US, Qatar, and Egypt, are intelligence chiefs David Barnea and Ronen Bar. Their motive: advancing an agreement for the release of Israeli hostages in the Gaza Strip.
Israel and Hamas are not sitting across the table for negotiations but rely on the mentioned mediating countries to facilitate indirect talks. In the previous round in Doha, the Israeli delegation had already arrived, but Hamas refused participation, not sending a representative for the Cairo talks.
These talks in Cairo emerged following a futile visit of US Secretary of State Antony Blinken to the region and a call between US President Joe Biden and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Citing the ongoing conflict stretching beyond ten months, Biden urged Netanyahu to swiftly seal an agreement.
The proposed agreement encompasses a ceasefire, the release of remaining hostages from Hamas' custody, and Palestinian prisoners from Israeli jails. However, the Israeli military's prolonged presence in the Gaza Strip, specifically the Philadelphi Corridor, is a contentious issue.
Israel seeks to keep Hamas from rearming through tunnel networks along Egypt's border with the Gaza Strip to safeguard its territory. Meanwhile, Hamas demands full Israeli withdrawal from the Gaza Strip.
Hamas spokesperson Osama Badran reiterated this stance on Friday, telling AFP, "We will accept nothing less than the withdrawal of the occupation forces (from the Gaza Strip), including Philadelphi." Badran accused Netanyahu of not wanting a conclusive agreement, resulting in his reluctance to relieve pressure on the Philadelphi Corridor.
On Friday, reports of fighting emerged in the Gaza Strip's northern region and intense shelling in Khan Yunis and close to Rafah. The Israeli army confirmed killing "dozens" of militants in Khan Yunis and Deir el-Balah during the previous day.
Following the significant Hamas attack in October, Israel initiated extensive military operations in the Gaza Strip. As per Hamas' health ministry, more than 40,260 people have died so far, although these figures remain unverified.
Families of hostages like Ohad Ben Ami have been waiting anxiously for ten months with hopes of their loved ones' release. Ella Ben Ami, Ben Ami's daughter, stated the family had little hope of an agreement "anytime soon" after a meeting with Netanyahu. The forum of hostage families expressed concerns, "I fear for the life of my father, for the girls who are there, for everyone."
Meanwhile, eight casualties were reported in Lebanon due to Israeli airstrikes, including a seven-year-old child. The pro-Iranian Hezbollah confirmed the deaths of five of their fighters. Among them, the Israeli army identified a high-ranking Hezbollah commander, Mohammad Mahmud Najem.
Since the Gaza war commenced, Hezbollah has daily shelled Israel's northern regions. Israel reciprocates with attacks on Hezbollah targets in Lebanon. Concerns of an escalation loom large since July, following Iran's threats of retaliation following the killings of Hamas chief Ismail Haniyeh and Hezbollah military chief Fuad Shukr.
The US, along with Qatar and Egypt, are engaging in indirect negotiations at the White House, involving Israeli intelligence chiefs David Barnea and Ronen Bar, aiming to secure the release of Israeli hostages in the Gaza Strip. The ceasefire proposal, which also includes the release of Palestinian prisoners and a halt to Hamas rearmament, is gaining traction in these talks.
