The Hamas delegation, which departed negotiations in Cairo on Sunday, reiterated its focus on implementing US President Joe Biden's proposal for a Gaza hostage and ceasefire deal, which was agreed upon on July 2. Hamas emphasized the importance of Israel adhering to the terms outlined in Biden's speech and the Security Council resolution.
Senior Hamas official Osama Hamdan highlighted that Israel had introduced new conditions for accepting the agreement, including demands related to Israeli troop movements in the Philadelphi corridor and the management of the Rafah crossing with Egypt. These new conditions were seen as a departure from the initial agreements reached.
The Hamas negotiating team concluded their discussions in Cairo after engaging with mediators for the renewed talks. In a statement, Hamas reiterated its stance that any agreement must encompass elements such as a permanent ceasefire, a full withdrawal from the Gaza Strip, the freedom for residents to return to their areas, relief and reconstruction efforts, and a commitment to a substantial exchange deal.
