Hamas has announced that its delegation has departed Egypt, but talks regarding a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip will persist into the next week.
The Palestinian group accuses Israel of obstructing mediators’ attempts to broker a deal before the onset of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan.
In a statement on Thursday, Hamas confirmed the departure of its delegation from Cairo, citing consultations with the movement’s leadership. The negotiations and efforts to halt the aggression, facilitate the return of displaced individuals, and provide relief aid to the Palestinian people will continue.
Israel did not participate in the recent negotiations, where representatives from Hamas, Qatar, and Egypt worked to secure a 40-day ceasefire ahead of Ramadan. The proposed agreement involves the exchange of captives held by Hamas and other Palestinian groups in Gaza for Palestinians incarcerated in Israeli prisons.
Hamas has pledged to persevere in the negotiations, emphasizing that a ceasefire must be established before the release of captives, Israeli forces must withdraw from Gaza, and displaced Gaza residents must regain access to their homes.
Despite earlier indications of an impasse in negotiations, the United States stated on Wednesday that a truce remains a possibility. The situation underscores the complex diplomatic efforts aimed at achieving a lasting ceasefire in the region.
