Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Egypt Independent
Published on 2024-04-07 11:15:10
During the Ministry of Endowments’ celebration of Laylat al-Qadr on Saturday, President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi reiterated Egypt’s unwavering commitment to stopping the fighting and ensuring aid reaches Gaza without hesitation. He emphasized Egypt’s firm stance and continuous efforts in supporting the Palestinian people, advocating for their legitimate rights, and championing the establishment of an independent state based on the 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital.
In ongoing developments, a prominent delegation from the Hamas movement, led by Khalil al-Hayya, is scheduled to arrive in Cairo on Sunday to commence discussions on a potential prisoner exchange deal. In a statement, Hamas reaffirmed its position set forth on March 14 and approved on March 25, underscoring that these demands are essential for ending the aggression and are non-negotiable. The demands include a lasting ceasefire, the withdrawal of occupation forces from Gaza, the repatriation of displaced individuals, unrestricted movement, humanitarian assistance, and the successful negotiation of a meaningful prisoner exchange agreement.
Contrastingly, the official Israeli radio reported that the Israeli government has not yet finalized its decision to dispatch a delegation, led by the head of the Mossad, to participate in the talks in Cairo. If the decision is made, the delegation would likely be sent on Monday, as indicated by the radio. The discussions are anticipated to involve the presence of the Director of the US Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), William Burns, highlighting the international engagement in this intricate process.
A recent report by the Wall Street Journal highlighted a key issue that could potentially impede progress towards a truce and agreement on a prisoner exchange in the Gaza Strip. The newspaper disclosed that the return of displaced Palestinians to northern Gaza has emerged as a focal point in the negotiations for a ceasefire. In a phone conversation, US President Joe Biden urged Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to address this issue, underscoring its significance according to US officials.
These developments underscore the complex and delicate nature of the ongoing negotiations and discussions surrounding the conflict in Gaza. With various stakeholders involved and differing perspectives on critical issues, achieving a lasting solution remains a formidable challenge. Nonetheless, the commitment and engagement of key regional and international players signal a concerted effort towards finding a resolution and alleviating the humanitarian crisis affecting the people of Gaza. As the discussions progress, the pursuit of peace, stability, and justice for all parties involved remains paramount.
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