Hamas has formally declared its intention to move forward with mediated negotiations by sending a team to Cairo. Al Jazeera said that Khalil al-Hayya, a well-known member of the organisation, will be in charge of the mission.
The Hamas statement restated the group’s favourable position about the suggested negotiations. “To establish a consensus, we are travelling to Cairo with the same mindset. According to an announcement obtained by Al Jazeera, “We, the Palestinian resistance forces and Hamas, are committed to reaching an agreement that satisfies our people’s demands for a complete cessation of the aggression, the withdrawal of the occupation forces, the return of the displaced, relief and reconstruction, and a serious exchange deal.”
Karine Jean-Pierre, a spokesman for the White House, informed Israel of Washington’s concerns on possible large-scale military actions in the southern city of Rafah. The safety of civilians, especially the 1.5 million people living in Rafah, was highlighted by Jean-Pierre.
Jean-Pierre said at a press conference, “We want to make sure their lives are protected.” “We believe the Israeli government is going to take our concerns into account.”
Achieving an agreement should be the top priority for both Israel and Hamas, according to UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, who highlighted the significant complications. A negotiated settlement is essential to stop the crisis from escalating further, as Guterres noted in a post on X.
“For the sake of the people of Gaza, the hostages and their families, and the region and the wider world – I strongly encourage the government of Israel and Hamas leadership to reach an agreement in their negotiations,” Guterres wrote on X.
Reports state that since October 7, Israeli attacks on Gaza have resulted in at least 34,622 Palestinian deaths and 77,867 injuries. As a result of Hamas’s October 7 attacks, 1,139 people have died in Israel, and many more are still in captivity, according to Al Jazeera.