GAZA: Palestinian group Hamas is ready to discuss a ceasefire in its war with Israel despite a rejection of its initial offer, said a Palestinian official close to the group on Thursday.
Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Wednesday rejected Hamas’ ceasefire proposal, terming it bizarre and vowed to continue with a military action until total victory.
The Palestinian official said a delegation of Hamas would soon meet Egyptian officials in Cairo, to work with Qatari representatives to find a common ground.
The official, who is familiar with the negotiations said the talks will be very complex and difficult but Hamas is open to discussions and keen to reach a ceasefire.
He said the two parties will hold several rounds of indirect talks.
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has also met Netanyahu and other top Israeli officials on his latest tour to the region to try to reach a deal.
He asked Israel to tone down its rhetoric as the war entered its fifth month.
According to Hamas-run health ministry in Gaza, at least 27,840 people have been killed in relentless Israeli bombardment.
The Palestinian official based in Gaza said the talks in Cairo would focus on the first phase of a proposed ceasefire, which would last about six weeks.
The discussions would take place about an exchange of hostages for women and children held in Israeli jails.
The official said that Hamas’ response, which was handed over to Egypt and Qatar and was seen by the United States, included an offer to free detained Israeli children, women, the elderly, and the sick.
He added Israel in return, would release a number of Palestinian prisoners.
Under the first phase of the deal 400 to 500 aid trucks would be allowed to enter into Gaza daily, carrying food, medicine and fuel.
Talks during the first halt in fighting would look for a deal on the withdrawal of the Israeli forces from Gaza and a return of the displaced.
