CAIRO: Egypt’s Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry said he was “hopeful” about a new proposal for a truce in Gaza as a Hamas delegation was due in Cairo for talks on Monday. “There is a proposal on the table and it is up to the two sides to consider and accept,” the foreign minister said at the special session of the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Riyadh, AFP reported.
Sameh Shoukry said, “The proposal has taken into account the positions of both sides and has tried to extract moderation.” “We are waiting to have a final decision,” he continued, acknowledging the various factors that could influence both side’s decisions.
Egypt, along with Qatar and the United States, has been involved in mediating talks between Israel and Hamas for several months. Recent diplomatic efforts have intensified, signaling a renewed push to halt the ongoing Israeli bombardment in the besieged Gaza Strip.
A delegation from Hamas was slated to arrive in Cairo on Monday to hold talks regarding Israel’s latest truce proposal and the release of hostages. A senior Hamas official, speaking anonymously, indicated a positive atmosphere surrounding the discussions unless hindered by new Israeli obstacles. “The atmosphere is positive unless there are new Israeli obstacles,” the official told AFP.
Meanwhile, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken expressed hopefulness about the prospects of a ceasefire. He declared Israel’s offer for a truce deal as “extraordinarily generous.” Addressing the urgency of the situation, Blinken emphasized the need for swift action from Hamas to bring an end to the ongoing violence.
“In this moment, the only thing standing between the people of Gaza and a ceasefire is Hamas,” Blinken said. He urged Hamas to make the right decision promptly. He highlighted the potential for a significant shift in the dynamic after months of enduring bloodshed. “I’m hopeful that they will make the right decision,” Blinken expressed.
