The delegation representing Hamas left Cairo on Thursday, but will continue with Gaza truce talks until an agreement is reached, the resistance group said in a statement, blaming the Zionist entity for the lack of progress.
“Hamas’s delegation left Cairo this morning for consultation with the leadership of the movement, with negotiations and efforts continuing to stop the aggression, return the displaced, and bring in relief aid to our people,” the Hamas statement said.
A Hamas official Sami Abu Zuhri said the Israeli occupation had been thwarting efforts to conclude a temporary ceasefire deal mediated by Qatar and Egypt during four days of talks hosted by Cairo.
Abu Zuhri told Reuters that ‘Israel’ was rejecting Hamas’s demands to end its offensive in the besieged enclave, withdraw its forces, and ensure freedom of entry for aid and the return of displaced people.
An official Egyptian source told the country’s Al-Qahera News state-affiliated TV channel that negotiations over a ceasefire in Gaza have reached an impasse, but said talks will resume next week.
Egyptian officials had earlier said that despite the impasse, they did not rule out a deal being reached before the Muslim fasting month of Ramadan, which is expected to begin on Sunday and has emerged as an informal deadline.
The Egyptian officials said Hamas has agreed on the main terms of such an agreement as a first stage, but wants commitments that it will lead to an eventual, more permanent ceasefire.
The deal presented to Hamas for Gaza would reportedly free at least some of the captives held in Gaza in a first stage. Palestinian prisoners Israeli jails would also be released.
Hamas pledged to continue the Cairo talks, but officials in the resistance group said a ceasefire must be in place before hostages are freed, Israeli occupation forces must leave Gaza and all Gazans must be able to return to homes they have fled.
Hamas is also demanding the release of a large number of prisoners, including those who are serving life sentences, in exchange for the remaining hostages.
The Israeli occupation has publicly ruled out those demands, saying it intends to resume the aggression after any ceasefire.
A source had earlier said ‘Israel’ was staying away from the Cairo talks because Hamas refused to provide a list of captives who are still alive. Hamas says this is impossible without a ceasefire as hostages are scattered across the war zone.
Source: Agencies
