Ismail Haniyeh, the leader of Hamas, has arrived in Cairo to engage in discussions with Egyptian authorities, according to a statement by the militant group. This move comes amidst fading hopes for a new ceasefire agreement with Israel, as reported by mediators in recent days.
Haniyeh, who is based in Qatar and heads Hamas's political bureau, aims to discuss the current political landscape and the situation on the ground with Egyptian officials, the statement noted.
The delegation's agenda also includes talks on initiatives to halt the ongoing conflict, provide assistance to affected civilians, and achieve the objectives of the Palestinian people.
Despite numerous meetings involving Israeli and Hamas representatives last week, efforts by Egyptian, Qatari, and U.S. mediators to broker a ceasefire after more than four months of continuous hostilities have yielded no progress.
Qatari Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani expressed pessimism about the recent developments, stating at the Munich Security Conference on Saturday that the situation appeared unpromising.
In a statement issued on Saturday, Haniyeh reiterated Hamas's demands, which have been met with skepticism by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who labeled some of them as "delusional."
Hamas's demands include a ceasefire, an Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, an end to the blockade of the territory, and the provision of safe shelters for the hundreds of thousands of displaced Palestinian civilians.
According to Gaza's health ministry, the Israeli offensive has resulted in the deaths of 29,195 people, the majority of whom are women and children.
Israel War Day-136: Israel Sets Deadline for Gaza Offensive Amid Hostage Standoff; Ramadan Ultimatum
Humanitarian Crisis: UN Raises Alarm over Child Deaths Surge in Gaza
Israel-Egypt Coordination Ahead of Rafah Offensive Ensured by Israeli FM