Hamas delegation participates in ceasefire talks in Cairo alongside mediators
A Hamas delegation joins Qatari and US mediators in Cairo for talks on a new ceasefire. Israel is said to have “more or less accepted” a six-week phased hostage and truce deal. The US states the deal will lead to the release of more hostages and prisoners.
Hamas reported that a truce agreement could be reached within the next 24 to 48 hours, pending Israel’s agreement to their demands. Pressure for a deal increased after an incident on February 29 near Gaza City, where over 100 people were killed as crowds rushed an aid convoy. Hamas accused Israel of shooting at civilians, which Israel denies.
Israel Defense Forces (IDF) spokesman Rear Adm Daniel Hagari stated that no strike was carried out towards the aid convoy, attributing most Palestinian deaths to a stampede. According to the IDF, looters posed a threat to their forces, leading to a response that resulted in casualties. Gaza’s Health Ministry reported 104 deaths and 280 injuries in the incident.