Progress in Gaza truce talks in Cairo between all parties - Egyptian media

Hamas reiterated their demands including a permanent ceasefire, the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza, a return of the displaced, and a prisoner-hostage exchange.

By REUTERS

APRIL 8, 2024 02:59

Updated: APRIL 8, 2024 03:59

Demonstrators protest calling for the release of Israeli hostages held in the Gaza Strip outside Hakirya Base in Tel Aviv, April 1, 2024. (photo credit: AVSHALOM SASSONI/FLASH90) — Demonstrators protest calling for the release of Israeli hostages held in the Gaza Strip outside Hakirya Base in Tel Aviv, April 1, 2024.

(photo credit: AVSHALOM SASSONI/FLASH90)

Progress has been made in discussions in Cairo on a truce in the Gaza conflict and there is agreement on the basic points between all parties involved, Egypt's Al-Qahera News state-affiliated TV channel said early on Monday, citing a senior Egyptian source.

On Sunday, both Israel and Hamas sent teams to Egypt for fresh talks on a potential ceasefire in the six-month conflict.

There was no immediate comment from Hamas and none of the parties to the Cairo talks has confirmed the Al-Qahera news report.

Finalizing the agreement

According to Al-Qahera, Hamas and Qatar's delegations left Cairo and will return within two days to agree on the terms of the final agreement, while the Israeli and the US delegations will leave the Egyptian capital within a few hours. It added that consultations were ongoing during the next 48 hours.

Qatar positions itself as a mediator and peacemaker, instrumental in negotiating high-profile hostage releases and actively participating in regional discussions, a role that has placed it in the international spotlight in the aftermath of October 7. (credit: EVELYN HOCKSTEIN/POOL/REUTERS)

Hamas reiterated on Sunday their demands including a permanent ceasefire, the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza, a return of the displaced, and an exchange of Palestinian prisoners for Israeli hostages being held in Gaza.

The war erupted after Hamas terrorists broke through the border and rampaged through communities in southern Israel on Oct. 7, killing 1,200 people and abducting more than 250 hostages.

More than 33,100 Palestinians have been killed in the Israeli offensive, according to the Hamas-run health ministry in Gaza.