An informed Egyptian source revealed that a meeting has begun in Cairo between a Hamas delegation and Egyptian officials, in the presence of Major General Hassan Rashad, head of the General Intelligence Service. The source, who preferred to remain anonymous, said that the first meeting between the Hamas delegation, headed by Khalil al-Hayya, and Egyptian intelligence began Sunday afternoon. He added that the delegation arrived in Cairo yesterday, while the meetings began today to discuss the latest proposals for a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip.

The movement's official spokesman, Jihad Taha, said yesterday that the Hamas delegation's visit comes within the context of the efforts and endeavors undertaken by mediators to end the aggression against the Palestinian people in the Gaza Strip.

Jihad Taha pointed out that "Hamas is open to proposals that would lead to a ceasefire and withdrawal, address all issues left by the ongoing aggression, and stop the series of massacres and war of extermination." He added that "administration of the Gaza Strip is an internal Palestinian affair that is agreed upon with all national components of our people, and this requires concerted efforts to serve the issues of our people and their legitimate rights."

This statement comes amid ongoing international and regional efforts to calm the situation in Gaza, with increasing pressure on Israel to stop the military escalation, which has worsened the humanitarian situation in the Strip. Several international and regional parties are participating in mediation efforts to reach a ceasefire, with the aim of restoring calm and opening the door to political understandings.

Source: Al-Araby Al-Jadeed