Egypt received ‘positive’ response from Hamas to ‘ceasefire proposed deal’, Diaa Rashwan

CAIRO –6 February 2024: Diaa Rashwan, head of the State Information Service affirmed Tuesday that Egypt has received a response from Hamas to the proposed ‘ceasefire and prisoners swap’ deal, and that details are being discussed by all parties.

He explained in statements to al Qahera news channel that the proposed deal is a ‘complex proposal that ultimately leads to a complete ceasefire, not during one stage, but rather three stages that end with a ceasefire and include the exchange of prisoners between the Palestinian and Israeli sides.’

Rashwan described Hamas response so far as ‘positive’. “We are talking about a long-ceasefire, not one week-ceasefire like the previous one”.

He affirmed that Egypt is continuing its role after receiving Hamas response. “Egypt is communicating with all concerned parties, especially Israel and Hamas, to solve any obstacles that might hinder the deal”

Rashwan added that: “Egypt is using all its relations and capabilities with all parties to overcome any obstacles, and I think we are very close to implementing the proposed deal.”

On the Israeli response, Rashwan said that “It is difficult yet to describe the final Israeli reaction to the proposed deal, and we are still waiting for the official response.”

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An official Egyptian source said Tuesday, that Egypt has received Hamas response to the proposed ‘ceasefire and prisoners swap deal, and that details are being discussed by all parties, according to al Qahera news Channel.

In a statement, Hamas announces delivering its response regarding the ‘ceasefire framework agreement’ to Egypt and Qatar, after completing its internal consultations.

 Hamas said that they discussed the deal “in a positive way”, to ensure a comprehensive and complete ceasefire, ending the aggression against Palestinian people, ensuring relief aid, shelter, and reconstruction, lifting the siege on Gaza Strip, and completing the prisoners exchanging.

Hamas praised both of Egypt, Qatar’s roles and efforts along with the all-other countries seeking to stop aggression against the Palestinian people.

As part of his 5th visit to the middle East since the beginning of the Israeli aggression against Palestine’s last October, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken visited Cairo on Tuesday and met with President Abdel Fatah al-Sisi.

During the meeting Sisi and Blinken discussed brokering a ceasefire in Gaza Strip, hostage exchange, and more supply of humanitarian aid to the enclave.

President Sisi shed light on the immense efforts deployed by Egypt in light of the harsh field conditions in order to deliver aid. He also highlighted the vital role of the UNRWA on that front, stressing the necessity of implementing the UN Security Council resolutions relevant to the crisis.

The Egyptian chief of state equally asserted the importance of taking steps towards a fair and comprehensive settlement of the Palestinian Cause in order to guarantee a sustainable stability in the region.

On his side, the secretary of state underscored the United States' eagerness for continuous coordination and joint endeavors with Egypt to achieve pacification and protect the region from the expansion of the conflict's scope. Blinken equally expressed keenness on reinforcing the strategic partnership between the two countries in a way that preserves regional peace.