5,000 Palestinians Could Be Freed from Israeli's Prison

Gaza – Hamas delegation met with the head of Egyptian intelligence, Abbas Kamel, on Thursday as part of discussions in Cairo regarding a proposed new ceasefire between Israel and Palestinian groups.

Led by Hamas' political bureau chief, Ismail Haniyeh, the delegation included officials Khalil al-Hayya, Osama Hamdan, and Moussa Abu Marzouq.

An unnamed Egyptian source stated that a delegation representing the Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ) also attended the talks.

This visit followed a meeting in Paris on January 28 involving officials from the US, Israel, Qatar, and Egypt.

The proposed draft calls for a ceasefire of up to three months, during which Hamas would release Israeli prisoners in exchange for around 5,000 Palestinians held in Israeli jails.

According to an informant speaking to The National on January 31, 2024, Hamas has informed Egypt that they principly reject the proposal.

The resistance group demands a guarantee of a permanent ceasefire and the withdrawal of Israeli forces from the Gaza Strip.

A Palestinian source familiar with the negotiations suggested that Hamas is likely not to outright reject an offer from the mediators but won't sign it without assurances from Israel committing to ending the conflict.

On Thursday, an correspondent reported that Israeli forces had withdrawn from areas in northern Gaza.

The withdrawal covered areas breached in the northern Gaza Strip for the first time since October 27, including the neighborhoods of Al-Tawam, Al-Karama, and Al-Rashid Road.

Residents returned to inspect their mostly destroyed homes and properties. However, clashes continued in some northern parts of Gaza City, and Israeli jets targeted the northern city of Beit Lahia on February 1.