Egypt Daily News – As talks resumed in Cairo on Saturday between a Hamas delegation and Egyptian officials to discuss a potential ceasefire agreement and prisoner exchange with Israel, informed Egyptian sources revealed key details.
Egyptian sources stated that Egypt presented Hamas with a final, comprehensive ceasefire proposal backed by international guarantees. Within the ongoing discussions, it agreed to withdraw its fighters from Gaza once a ceasefire is in place, with assurances that they will not be pursued or prosecuted.
Disarmament of Gaza
Additionally, the movement agreed to completely step back from governing the Gaza Strip.
The sources also confirmed that the United States informed mediators of its firm stance on fully disarming Gaza. Earlier in the day, a Hamas official said the movement is ready to strike a deal that would end the war, including the release of all remaining hostages in one batch and a five-year truce.
He added, “Hamas is ready for a one-time prisoner exchange and a five-year truce,” according to AFP. He continued, “We hope Hamas’ vision will be accepted, ensuring a complete ceasefire, full Israeli withdrawal, a serious prisoner swap deal, and immediate, sufficient aid delivery,” while Israel continues to block aid and goods from entering the devastated Palestinian territory.
Temporary Truce Previously Rejected
Hamas had rejected an Israeli proposal on April 17 offering a 45-day truce in exchange for the release of 10 living Israeli hostages. Instead, they demanded a comprehensive agreement that includes an end to the war and Israel’s full withdrawal from Gaza in return for the release of all hostages in its custody.
Israel, on the other hand, remains firm on retrieving all hostages and disarming Hamas and other Palestinian factions as conditions for a truce, without agreeing to a full end to the war or complete withdrawal.
According to Israeli military estimates, 58 hostages remain in Gaza, 34 of whom are believed to be dead.
