Egypt’s Foreign Minister Shoukry expresses optimism for potential new truce between Israel and Hamas
“We are waiting to have a final decision. There are factors that will have an impact on both sides’ decisions, but I hope that all will rise to the occasion.”
In a positive development, Foreign Affairs Minister Sameh Shoukry expressed optimism regarding a new truce proposal for Gaza as a Hamas delegation prepared to engage in talks in Cairo on Monday.
During the World Economic Forum in Riyadh, FM Shoukry mentioned that there is a proposal on the table awaiting consideration and acceptance from both parties.
“There is reason for optimism,” he added, expressing that “the proposal carefully considers perspectives from both sides and aims to find a balanced approach.”
Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan later said a new deal would “be very, very positive… But it’s absolutely necessary that any ceasefire be permanent, not temporary”.
Egypt, Qatar, and the United States have been trying to mediate an agreement between Israel and Hamas for months, but a flurry of diplomacy in recent days appeared to suggest a new push toward halting the fighting.
A Hamas delegation was due in Egypt on Monday, where it is expected to respond to Israel’s latest proposal for a truce in Gaza and a prisoner swap after almost seven months of war.
A senior Hamas official said on Sunday that the Palestinian group had no “major issues” with the most recent truce plan.
“The atmosphere is positive unless there are new Israeli obstacles,” the official told AFP, requesting anonymity to discuss the negotiations.
