Egypt to host Israeli and US delegations for Gaza truce talks

Source says Egypt maintains communication with Hamas movement as part of efforts to facilitate ceasefire agreement

CAIRO:

Egypt will host Israeli and U.S. delegations to discuss the "outstanding points" regarding a ceasefire deal in the Gaza Strip, Egypt's Al-Qahera News TV channel reported on Saturday, without revealing the specific timing of the meeting.

Egypt has been holding intensive meetings with relevant parties this week to advance efforts to reach a truce agreement in the Gaza Strip, said the report, citing a high-ranking security source.

The anonymous source affirmed that Egypt has also maintained communication with the Hamas movement as part of the efforts to facilitate a ceasefire agreement and the exchange of detainees and prisoners.

Israel launched a massive offensive in the Gaza Strip following a Hamas rampage through the southern Israeli border on Oct. 7, 2023, during which about 1,200 people were killed and around 250 others taken hostage.

Since the offensive began, Egypt, Qatar, and the United States have been making efforts to reach a truce and a prisoner swap between Israel and Hamas.