A delegation of Hamas officials arrived in Cairo Saturday for discussions on a ceasefire and a release of hostages as negotiators seek to broker an agreement between the militant group and Israel over the war that began Oct. 7, according to reports.
Hamas had said its officials would travel to Cairo in a "positive spirit" after examining the latest proposals for a truce.
"We are determined to secure an agreement in a way that fulfils Palestinians' demands," the Palestinian militant group said in a statement, Reuters reported.
One Egyptian security source told the wire service: "The results today will be different. We have reached an agreement over many points, and a few points remain."
The Hamas officials are meeting Saturday with Egyptian officials and representatives from the United States, including CIA Director William Burns.
Following months of talks, an agreement to reach a ceasefire has reached a critical stage, the Associated Press reported, amid signs of compromise.
One of the sticking points, the wire service reported, is whether Israel would be willing to end the war without accomplishing its stated goal of destroying Hamas.
Hamas has demanded a permanent ceasefire and Israel's full withdrawal from Gaza, Reuters reported.
The discussions will focus on a three-stage proposal that would establish a six-week ceasefire and partial release of hostages, along with guarantees from Israel to delay the military offensive in Rafah, and the release of the bodies of dead hostages still in Gaza, more prisoners held by Israel and the beginning of a five-year reconstruction plan, the Associated Press reported.
