Ismail Haniyeh's Visit to Egypt Amid Negotiations for Another Ceasefire

Amid speculation about the possibility of signing another ceasefire agreement between Hamas and Israel, news agencies report that Ismail Haniyeh, the leader of Hamas, has traveled to Egypt. Haniyeh, who usually resides in Qatar, last visited Egypt in mid-November before the announcement of the only ceasefire agreement in the ongoing Gaza war. According to Reuters, he typically intervenes publicly in diplomacy only when progress in negotiations seems likely. A source familiar with the negotiations said that the envoys of the parties involved are discussing which of the hostages still held by militants in Gaza could be released under a new ceasefire agreement and what prisoners Israel might release in exchange. This source stated that Israel insists on the release of all male and female hostages in Gaza who are physically and psychologically troubled. Palestinians convicted of serious crimes may also be on the list of prisoners to be released. The source, who wished to remain anonymous, described the negotiations as 'intense' and said that progress might be made in the coming days. Egypt and Qatar have previously played mediating roles in ceasefire negotiations between Hamas and Israel. A Palestinian official stated that Haniyeh is eager to hear from Egyptian officials about a potential new approach. According to this Palestinian official, Hamas's official position rejects any new temporary ceasefire and calls for a permanent cessation of hostilities. However, a senior Israeli official reiterated the government's position, emphasizing that the war will only end with the release of all hostages and the destruction of Hamas. Meanwhile, the Israeli army announced on Wednesday the names of two more Israeli soldiers killed in Gaza. The ongoing war began after a terrorist attack in southern Israel on October 7, in which Hamas and Islamic Jihad forces killed about 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and took around 240 hostages. Israel has launched an all-out assault on Gaza, resulting in widespread destruction and thousands of deaths. Israel claims that Hamas hides behind civilians. The United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, the European Union, Japan, Israel, and several other countries have listed Hamas as a terrorist organization. Some information for this report was obtained from Reuters and Haaretz news agencies.