Hamas' Haniyeh concludes Cairo visit after Gaza ceasefire discussions

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Al Mayadeen
23 Feb 2024 06:04

Hamas confirms its delegation met with the head of the Egyptian intelligence service and his assistants, where they discussed the situation in Gaza.

This handout picture provided by the Iranian foreign ministry on February 13, 2024, shows Hamas' political bureau chief Ismail Haniyeh preparing to welcome the Iranian Foreign Minister in Doha. (Photo by Iranian Foreign Ministry / AFP)

Hamas confirmed early Friday that a delegation from the movement, led by the head of the political bureau, Ismail Haniyeh, concluded its visit to Egypt, which lasted for several days.

The movement mentioned in a statement that the delegation met with the head of the Egyptian intelligence service, Abbas Kamel, and his assistants, where they discussed the situation in the Gaza Strip, the cessation of the Israeli aggression, the return of refugees, and relief and shelter.

According to Hamas, the delegation also addressed the prisoner exchange file and "Israel's" plan regarding limiting access to al-Aqsa Mosque during the holy month of Ramadan.

Earlier, a source in the Resistance leadership told Al Mayadeen that all the rumors circulating about the progress of negotiations between the Palestinian Resistance and "Israel" were false.

The Source revealed that "Israel", in ongoing warmongering, continues to reject Hamas' proposal, calling it "unfeasible," and insists on its own conditions that do not include the withdrawal of its forces from Gaza or a permanent ceasefire.

According to the source, Hamas on the other hand provided appropriate solutions concerning the ceasefire, the return of displaced Gazans, the prisoner release deal, and the complete withdrawal of the IOF from Gaza.

However, this was considered "a high ceiling" of demands by the Israeli occupation, the source stated, adding that negotiations are being stumped for that reason and from the Israeli side solely, therefore obstructing a breakthrough.

The source highlighted that "Israel's" obstinance comes from internal conflicts that do not allow any form of flexibility in setting conditions, and the delusion that the occupation can force Hamas into a weakened position through military pressure.

Egyptian and Qatari mediators have been working in harmony to achieve a breakthrough in negotiations, and according to Al Mayadeen's source, will be assisted further by the United States to prompt progress.