Representatives from Fatah and Hamas have initiated talks in Cairo, aiming to establish a committee that will manage the affairs of the Gaza Strip. According to Egypt's State Information Service, the committee will be formed by presidential decree from Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and will include independent figures.
The Egyptian-sponsored discussions seek to achieve Palestinian unity and prevent the separation of the West Bank from Gaza. Hamas is insisting on a comprehensive approach to address all conflict-related issues, including the withdrawal of Israeli forces, prisoner exchanges, and the entry of humanitarian aid. The group fears that if these issues are managed separately, Israel may resume its attacks on Gaza after releasing Israeli hostages.
Egypt is making intensive efforts to resume negotiations for a Gaza ceasefire, which have been on hold since July. Cairo continues to collaborate with Palestinian and Israeli parties to secure a truce and facilitate increased humanitarian aid into the region.
Tensions in the Middle East have escalated following Israel's large-scale offensive against Hamas in the Gaza Strip, a retaliation for a Hamas attack on the southern Israeli border on October 7, 2023. On Saturday, at least 42 Palestinians were killed and over 150 injured in Israeli air and artillery bombardment of the Nuseirat refugee camp in central Gaza, according to Palestinian medical sources.
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Fatah, Hamas discuss Gaza future amid rising Middle East tensions
cgtn.com
