Senior Hamas leader leaves Egypt for Qatar

Senior Hamas leader Moussa Abu Marzouq left Egypt Friday for Qatar following a five-day ceasefire in the Gaza Strip with Israel, sources at Cairo International Airport said.

Abu Marzouq is expected to meet Hamas political chief Khaled Meshaal in Doha to brief him on the outcome of Egypt-hosted indirect talks between Palestinian factions and Israel.

On Wednesday, Palestinian factions and Israel agreed to extend a temporary ceasefire by five days following indirect talks in Cairo aimed at reaching a permanent ceasefire arrangement.

Palestinian factions have linked any permanent ceasefire deal to tangible concessions by Israel, including the lifting of a years-long blockade on the Gaza Strip and allowing the establishment of a Gaza seaport, among other longstanding demands.

At least 1951 Palestinians have been killed – the vast majority of them civilians – and more than 10,000 injured in devastating Israeli attacks since July 7.

Within the same period, at least 64 Israeli soldiers have been killed in battles with Palestinian fighters inside Gaza, while three Israeli civilians were reportedly killed by Palestinian rocket attacks.