Representatives of European and Middle Eastern countries are supposed to negotiate on the situation in the Gaza Strip on Monday in Riyadh, the capital of Saudi Arabia.
The Palestinian extremist organization Hamas said early on Saturday that it had received an official response from Israel to Hamas’s proposal in the cease-fire negotiations. Hamas submitted its proposal to Israel on April 13.
Next, Hamas plans to delve deeper into Israel’s counter-proposal before the organization issues its own response, Hamas’ deputy head of the Gaza Strip Khalil al-Hayya says in his statement.
Earlier, Israeli media reported that anonymous sources said that the Israeli War Cabinet has discussed a new plan to achieve a ceasefire and the release of the hostages.
The Egyptian delegation arrived in Israel
The Egyptian delegation arrived in Israel on Friday with the aim of starting the stalled ceasefire negotiations between Israel and Hamas. Along with Qatar and the United States, Egypt has been a mediator in the negotiations.
According to the Egyptian media, significant progress has been made with the views of Egypt and Israel.
Representatives of European and Middle Eastern countries are supposed to negotiate on the situation in the Gaza Strip on Monday in Saudi Arabia.
Among others, the French foreign minister is participating in the negotiations Stéphane Séjourne and the German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock. According to media reports, the new prime minister of the Palestinian Authority is also involved in the negotiations Mohammed Mustafa.
An attack on Rafah would make the situation even more difficult
Israel has said that it intends to attack the city of Rafah, where most of the residents of the Gaza Strip are fleeing military operations.
Numerous parties have appealed to Israel not to attack the city unless the protection of civilians can be guaranteed. According to aid organizations, an attack on the city would worsen the catastrophic conditions in the region.
Israel has said its goal is to destroy Hamas, which controls the Gaza Strip.
Hamas representative Ghazi Hamad told news agency AFP that an Israeli attack on Rafah would clearly complicate negotiations and show that Israel intends to continue the war.
Israel’s military operations in the Gaza Strip began in October of last year after Hamas carried out a terrorist attack on Israel.
According to Israeli authorities, an estimated 1,170 people died in the Hamas attack. According to the Ministry of Health under Hamas, around 34,400 people have died in the Gaza Strip since the start of the Israeli attack.
According to Israel’s estimate, Hamas still holds nearly 130 people hostage. According to the Israeli Armed Forces, 34 hostages have died.
Source: Reuters, AFP