US sees Gaza talks as 'constructive' in Cairo

As fighting between the Israeli military and the radical Islamist Hamas movement continues unabated in the Gaza Strip, mediators are continuing their efforts to reach a ceasefire. John Kirby, communications director for the US National Security Council, said “productive” talks took place in the Egyptian capital Cairo on Thursday and would continue through the weekend.

He denied media reports that the negotiations were on the verge of failure, describing them as false. The process is progressing. Kirby did not want to go into details of the talks.

According to the White House, US President Joe Biden spoke again by phone with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi and Qatari Emir Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani. They discussed the “urgent need” for a ceasefire as part of the “comprehensive bridging proposal” on the table.

White House: It's all about the fine details

The deal aims to release hostages held by Hamas, provide life-saving aid to Palestinian civilians in the Gaza Strip and reduce regional tensions. The White House said they discussed upcoming talks in Cairo and efforts to remove remaining obstacles to reaching an agreement.

The United States, Egypt and Qatar are mediating between Israel and Hamas, as the two warring parties do not negotiate directly with each other. Kirby said the hope is to maintain momentum in the coming days. It's all about the underbelly.

Hamas delegation in Cairo

According to a senior representative of the extremist Islamic movement Hamas, the Palestinian organization will now send a delegation to Cairo without taking an active role in the ongoing negotiations on a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip.

A Hamas representative told AFP that the delegation would meet with Egyptian intelligence officials to learn about “developments in the ongoing talks.” He explained: “But that does not mean that it will participate in the negotiations.”