Egypt downplays chance of success of Gaza ceasefire talks

Egyptian sources yesterday downplayed the chance of success of the expected new round of talks aimed at concluding a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip.

The sources attributed this to “the lack of political will on the Israeli side to reach an agreement” in addition to the state of anticipation for Iran and its proxies’ response to the assassination of Hamas leader, Ismail Haniyeh, in Tehran on 31 July.

Egyptian sources told Sky News Arabia that the joint statement issued by the leaders of Egypt, Qatar and the United States on 8 August regarding the call for a new round of negotiations was clear regarding the foundations that could represent the starting point for talks leading to a ceasefire and an agreement on the release of hostages and detainees, which are the principles proposed by US President Joe Biden and were approved in a Security Council resolution.

The sources indicated that there is “a round-the-clock monitoring of developments on the ground” and their impact on the negotiating process, as well as a vision for how to bridge the gap in order to reach an agreement.

Palestinian sources told Sky News Arabia yesterday that Hamas will not participate in the ceasefire negotiations pending the Iranian response to Haniyeh’s assassination.

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