In a fresh push for peace in Gaza, Hamas announced Tuesday that Egyptian and Qatari mediators are working diligently to advance the ceasefire agreement and launch a second phase of negotiations.
Spokesman Abdul Latif Al-Qanou stated, "There are positive signs in this regard," underscoring Hamas’s readiness to engage in discussions that meet the demands of the Palestinian people. A Hamas delegation met with mediators in Cairo on Monday to explore mechanisms for progressing the talks after the first 42-day truce expired in early March.
Differences in approach remain as Hamas calls for immediate steps into the next phase, while Israel advocates for extending the initial phase. Amid mounting tensions, Israel halted the supply of electricity to Gaza's only desalination plant and paused aid deliveries, a move labeled by Hamas as "cheap and unacceptable blackmail."
Recent escalations have seen Israeli air strikes intensify in the region. On Tuesday, an air strike in Gaza City resulted in the death of four men, with the Israeli military asserting the operation targeted individuals posing threats to its forces.
This evolving scenario underscores the delicate balance between diplomatic negotiations and urgent humanitarian needs in Gaza, as mediators continue working to pave a path toward lasting peace.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
