Talks are underway in Cairo between mediators and representatives of Palestinian factions, including the Hamas movement, in an effort to provide momentum for the ceasefire agreement in the Gaza Strip, an informed Palestinian source told Agence France-Presse (AFP).
اضافة اعلان
The discussions began on Sunday, at a time when the Strip is experiencing continuous Israeli bombardment despite a truce declared since October 10.
Egyptian, Qatari, and Turkish mediators are participating in the talks, alongside representatives from Hamas and other Palestinian factions, as part of efforts to progress toward the second phase of the U.S.-sponsored ceasefire agreement.
According to the source, mediators are scheduled to meet with a Hamas delegation before Monday noon, to be followed by an expanded meeting including all participating factions.
The Egyptian "Al-Qahera News" channel reported that Sunday's discussions focused on a "proposed roadmap to complete the implementation of the agreement."
It added that the meeting took place in a "positive atmosphere," with consensus on the necessity of continuing to implement U.S. President Donald Trump's plan.
Trump's plan, on the basis of which the ceasefire was reached, stipulated a first phase during which hostages and prisoners were exchanged between Hamas and Israel, a cessation of hostilities, an Israeli withdrawal from residential areas in the Palestinian enclave, and the intensive entry of aid into Gaza.
As for the second phase, it is supposed to witness a Palestinian national committee taking over the administration of the Gaza Strip under the supervision of the Peace Council chaired by Trump, the disarmament of the Hamas movement, the start of a gradual Israeli withdrawal, and the beginning of reconstruction.
However, numerous obstacles stand in the way of all these points.
These talks come amid escalating regional tensions, and within the past few hours, a renewal of confrontations between Israel and Iran.
The source noted: "If the Iranian-Israeli tension increases, I expect it to reflect on the Cairo negotiations."
At least 960 Palestinians have been martyred since the declaration of the truce, according to the Hamas-run Ministry of Health in Gaza.
Both Israel and Hamas trade accusations of violating the ceasefire agreement.
(AFP)
