Hamas waiting for Israel to reply to Egypt on truce

Head of the Political Bureau of Hamas, Ismail Haniyeh (R) meets Head of Palestinian File of Egypt’s Intelligent Service Major General Ahmed Abdel Khalek (L) in Gaza City, Gaza on 5 March 2019 [Ismail Haniyeh’s Press Office/Anadolu Agency]

The Egyptian security delegation will visit Gaza soon with Israel’s response to Hamas’ demands regarding a truce, a member of the Palestinian group said yesterday.

In a press release, Suhail Al-Hindi added that Hamas would consider the Israeli reply to its conditions to reach a ceasefire agreement.

Hamas, according to Al-Hindi, assured the Egyptian delegation that it would hold firm to several humanitarian demands, above all lifting the Israeli siege on Gaza, expanding the fishing zone, solving the electricity crisis, employees issue, and alleviating poverty in the impoverished territory.

READ: Egypt reaffirms its role as mediator pushing Israel to sign truce, says Hamas

The Palestinian people, he said, will abide by the truce once the Israeli occupation commits to it, adding that Israel always breaks its promises with regards a ceasefire with the Palestinian factions.

The Egyptian delegation visited Gaza twice last week and met with Palestinian officials, including Hamas chief Ismail Haniyeh.

It is expected to return at the end of the week.

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