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Hamas considers truce offer in the Gaza Strip in a “spirit positive”affirmed the Palestinian movement, Thursday May 2, following a telephone exchange between its leader, Ismaïl Haniyeh, and the head of Egyptian intelligence, Abbas Kamel. Hamas negotiators will return “as soon as possible” in Egypt to conclude the ongoing talks, assured the terrorist group.
Hamas’ response is still awaited. The mediating countries – Qatar, the United States and Egypt – are awaiting Hamas’ response to a latest proposal providing for a 40-day truce as well as the exchange of hostages for Palestinians held by Israel. “There is a very good proposal on the table right now. Hamas must say yes”estimated the head of American diplomacy, Antony Blinken. “If Hamas truly claims to care about the Palestinians and wants to see their suffering immediately alleviated, it should accept the deal.”he added.
Israel advises against going to Eurovision. Israel has recommended that its citizens avoid traveling to the Swedish city of Malmö, where the Eurovision song contest will take place from May 7 to 11. The authorities are concerned that “terrorist cells are taking advantage of the demonstrations and the anti-Israeli climate to carry out attacks against Israelis who have come to Sweden”.
Turkey cuts its trade ties with Israel. Turkey suspends trade relations with Israel “until the Israeli government allows an uninterrupted flow of humanitarian aid to Gaza”, which marks a new stage in the deterioration of relations between the two countries. Ankara had already restricted the exports of Turkish companies to Israel in April.