Taher Al-Nunu, media advisor to the head of Hamas’s political bureau, expressed cautious optimism regarding developments in the indirect peace negotiations underway in the Egyptian city of Sharm El-Sheikh, which aim to reach a ceasefire agreement in the Gaza Strip.

Peace negotiations to go ahead

In a brief press release published by Hamas, Al-Nunu said that the Hamas delegation “provided the necessary positivity and responsibility to achieve the desired progress,” noting that an atmosphere of optimism prevails among the various participating parties. Al-Nunu also emphasised that the current round of talks focuses on three main issues:

• implementing a comprehensive ceasefire agreement
• the withdrawal of Israeli occupation forces from the Gaza Strip
• a prisoner exchange between the two sides.

According to Al-Nunu, today witnessed an exchange of lists of prisoners to be released, according to previously agreed-upon criteria and numbers, which is seen as an indicator of tangible progress in the negotiations. He added that regional and international mediators, primarily Egypt, Qatar, and the United States, are making intensive efforts to overcome the remaining obstacles to implementing the agreement, stressing that indirect talks continue today with the participation of all parties.

These developments come amid increasing pressure from the international community to end the ongoing war in Gaza, which has left widespread destruction and a worsening humanitarian crisis in the Strip.

Israeli Obstacles: A Legacy of Broken Agreements

Despite this positive atmosphere, Hamas and the mediators do not hide their concern about Israel’s long record of obstructing the implementation of previous agreements. In previous rounds of negotiations, Israel was accused of stalling on advanced stages of prisoner exchange deals, in addition to refusing to fully withdraw from the Strip or effectively lift the blockade, which repeatedly led to the collapse of truce attempts.

Tel Aviv was also accused of backtracking on understandings brokered by Egypt and Qatar, particularly regarding expanding humanitarian aid, reconstruction, and the sustainable opening of crossings. These points are considered essential for the Palestinians in any future agreement.

As such, Al-Nunu emphasised that mediators, particularly Egypt, Qatar, and the United States, are making great efforts to overcome obstacles, including pressuring the Israeli side to ensure compliance with any agreement reached. He explained that indirect negotiations between the parties are continuing today, with intensified efforts to formulate practical steps to end the months-long war, which has claimed the lives of thousands of civilians and caused massive destruction to the Gaza Strip’s infrastructure.

The International Community is Waiting… and the Gaza Strip is Waiting

This round of talks comes amid mounting international pressure on Israel to halt its ongoing military operation, following warnings from human rights and UN organisations that Gaza is on the brink of a humanitarian catastrophe.

While capitals await the results of the Sharm el-Sheikh talks, the Palestinian streets, particularly the residents of Gaza, remains awaiting tangible results that will end the blockade, cease fire, and put an end to years of suffering.

Featured image via the Canary

By Alaa Shamali

This post was originally published on Canary.