The Palestinian and Israeli delegations are set to begin a new round of negotiations in Cairo today, Sunday, with the participation of American and Qatari representatives, as each side seeks to reach a ceasefire agreement in Gaza and an exchange of prisoners.
According to media sources, the Israeli delegation includes the head of the Israeli Intelligence Agency “Mossad,” David Barnea, and the head of the General Security Service “Shin Bet,” Ronen Bar, in addition to the participation of the head of the Central Intelligence Agency, William Burns, and the Qatari Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani.
Hamas movement announced yesterday, Saturday, that a delegation led by Khalil al-Hayya would head to Cairo in response to an Egyptian invitation to participate in the negotiations.
Egypt leads the mediation efforts in the negotiations, with the participation of senior Israeli and Palestinian security officials, in addition to American officials.
The return of displaced persons to northern Gaza is one of the main points of contention, with Israel stipulating the return of a maximum of 60,000 Palestinians, excluding men aged between 18 and 50. Hamas insists on removing Israeli checkpoints and maintaining the reunification of families returning to the north, rejecting the deportation of adult males.
Egypt condemns the seizure of humanitarian aid in Rafah and criticizes Israel