negotiations between Hamas and Israel continue in Egypt

A few hours before the discussions in Cairo (Egypt), Hamas announced that it was in a “positive spirit”. “In light of recent contacts with brother mediators in Egypt and Qatar, the Hamas delegation will travel to Cairo on Saturday to complete the discussions”, reveals a press release. His response to the truce offer submitted at the end of April is awaited. It notably includes a 40-day pause in the Israeli offensive and the release of thousands of Palestinian prisoners in exchange for the release of hostages kidnapped on October 7.

Israeli PM hampers truce efforts

According to some Lebanese media, 33 hostages could be released, compared to the 40 initially mentioned. Hamas accuses Benjamin Netanyahu of hindering truce efforts after his comments on a future offensive in Rafah. “This leads Hamas to have a tough attitude”, noted Bertrand Badie, professor specializing in the Middle East. According to the head of American diplomacy Antony Blinken, Hamas is the only obstacle between the people of Gaza and a cease-fire.