French Foreign Minister Stéphane Séjourné met with his Egyptian counterpart, Badr Abdelatty, in Cairo on Saturday to push for a ceasefire between Hamas and Israel. Séjourné had embarked on a regional tour that included visits to Tel Aviv, the Palestinian Territories, and Beirut before ending in Cairo. The discussions in Cairo were centered on the necessity of a ceasefire to end the suffering of the people in Gaza and secure the release of hostages, including two Frenchmen.
Abdelatty expressed optimism about the potential for a ceasefire, stating that with sincere intentions and political will, an agreement can be achieved. A US official indicated that a ceasefire deal proposal that addresses the gaps between Israel and Hamas has been suggested and preparations for its implementation have already begun in Cairo. However, Hamas expressed doubts about the agreement’s proximity, citing significant differences from an earlier version they had accepted.
The Israeli Prime Minister’s office acknowledged the efforts made by US and other mediators to persuade Hamas to agree to a hostage release deal. Despite both sides agreeing in principle to a plan presented by US President Joe Biden, there have been disagreements and accusations from each side regarding the potential agreement.
Efforts to secure a ceasefire continue as mediators work to bridge the differences between Israel and Hamas. The diplomatic push for peace in the region remains ongoing, with hopes for a resolution to the conflict.
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