Why it matters:
The indirect negotiations in Egypt’s Sharm el-Sheikh represent the most serious attempt so far to end Israel’s months-long war on Gaza, which has claimed tens of thousands of Palestinian lives and left the territory in ruins.
The big picture:
Since October 7, 2023, Gaza has faced relentless bombardment and ground assaults amid Israel’s ongoing war on the enclave. While previous international mediation efforts have faltered, the current Egyptian-led negotiations are widely regarded as the most credible attempt yet to bring an end to the bloodshed."
What they’re saying:
Fawzi Barhoum, senior Hamas official: "The movement’s delegation participating in the current negotiations in Egypt is working to overcome all obstacles to reaching an agreement that meets the aspirations of our people in Gaza.”
Barhoum emphasized that any agreement must include a permanent end to the war, a complete withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza, and the initiation of a comprehensive reconstruction process led by a Palestinian technocratic body.
Go deeper:
Hamas continues to demand firm guarantees that hostilities will not resume following the signing of any agreement. Meanwhile, the Israeli regime has resisted calls for a permanent cease-fire, citing the need for ongoing military control to prevent Hamas’s resurgence. This fundamental disagreement remains the primary obstacle to reaching a final accord.
Two Years On, UN Urges End to Gaza War
Hossein Vaez - ahmad shirzadian
