Hamas delegation heads to Cairo for ceasefire talks
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A group of Hamas representatives has headed to Cairo, Egypt, for talks regarding a potential ceasefire agreement in the Gaza Strip.
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Destruction left by the Israeli air and ground offensive is seen in Khan Younis, Gaza Strip, on Sept. 13, 2024. (AP)
Representatives for the Hamas Resistance movement will head to Cairo on Saturday for talks on a possible ceasefire in Gaza, a Hamas official told AFP on Friday.
"A Hamas delegation will go to Cairo tomorrow for several meetings with Egyptian officials to discuss ideas for a ceasefire and a prisoner accord in the Gaza Strip," the official said, speaking on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the topic.
According to the official, a group of Resistance representatives will discuss propositions for a ceasefire and captive agreement during their visit to Cairo.
The announcement comes only two days after the ceasefire between Lebanon and "Israel" took effect.
Calls for a ceasefire in Gaza have been mounting, more so since the Israeli wide-scale aggression on Lebanon began.
Israeli opposition leader Benny Gantz called on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Thursday to prioritize the recovery of captives from Gaza, urging him to avoid further escalation.
Speaking to FM 103 radio, Gantz criticized Netanyahu's strategy and pressed for a temporary ceasefire to facilitate the captives' return.
"We must get the hostages out of Gaza and not allow other settlers to enter the strip," Gantz said. "We have blessed settlements in Judea and Samaria [the West Bank], so let us preserve them. We have nothing to look for in Gaza except the hostages and security."
Trump eyes Gaza ceasefire
Meanwhile, US President-elect Donald Trump is pushing for a ceasefire and a captive deal in Gaza before his inauguration on January 20, according to Sen. Lindsey Graham, who shared the remarks in an interview for Axios.
President Biden's lack of significant progress to secure the Gaza deal during his remaining time in office raises the likelihood that this responsibility could be transferred to Trump.
Israeli officials anticipate a potentially different approach to Gaza under Trump's administration, especially concerning post-war strategies. Graham, a key advisor to Trump on Middle Eastern foreign policy, said as quoted by Axios that Trump is determined to secure the release of captives and an end to the war, preferably before assuming office.
"Trump is more determined than ever to release the hostages and supports a ceasefire that includes a hostage deal. He wants to see it happening now," Graham added.
Read more: The US never tried to secure a ceasefire in Gaza: Foreign Policy
