Israel-Hamas war: Are fresh ceasefire talks in Egypt a good sign – BBC News Thailand

Efforts to broker a ceasefire and release hostages in Gaza have intensified. The two sides have resumed talks in Cairo. Egypt continues from Saturday (May 4) until today.

Hamas said its own group also made the trip. “Positive commitment” after reading the latest armistice proposal

“We are committed to examining the agreement in a way that responds to the needs of the Palestinian people,” Hamas said.

However, Hamas said last Saturday that the talks had made no progress and that a new round of talks would begin today (May 5).

Meanwhile, negotiations are underway in Cairo, Egypt. Tens of thousands of Israelis marched across the country last night. Calls for a deal to bring hostages home before ceasefire talks are held on Sunday.

Protesters in Tel Aviv chanted: “War is not holy. It's a different life,” some accused Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of wanting to prolong the war

US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken said “the ceasefire should be a deterrent” to armed groups.

Hamas negotiators have returned to the Egyptian capital to resume ceasefire talks. This negotiation lasted for several months. Egypt and Qatar are jointly acting as mediators in the negotiations. It is hoped that the talks will temporarily halt Israel's invasion of the Gaza Strip. in exchange for the release of the hostages

In a statement released on Friday night, May 3 (local time), Hamas said it wanted to reach an agreement at the negotiating table. There are indications that there are some agreements that the two sides have yet to agree on. Especially on the key issue of whether this ceasefire is permanent or temporary?

Hamas insists that any deal must include specific commitments to end the war. But Israel does not want to agree on this point. Because Hamas is still active in the Gaza Strip.

The two sides are believed to be discussing the wording of a 40-day ceasefire to exchange hostages for Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails.

It has repeatedly confirmed that Benjamin Netanyahu, Israel's prime minister, will launch a major ground military operation in Mr Rafah. Despite the ceasefire agreement, it is located south of Gaza City.

Israeli media reported on Saturday (May 4) that there was no change in the position of the Israeli Prime Minister. Despite recent negotiations,

But the United States, Israel's biggest diplomatic and military ally, is unwilling to support a new invasion that could lead to massive casualties. And he insists that the plan to protect the Palestinians should come first.

An estimated 1.4 million displaced Palestinians have taken refuge in Rafah. After fighting and fleeing the northern and central Gaza Strip

Last Saturday (May 4) Israel's war cabinet member Mr. Benny Gantz. Discussing the course of the ceasefire, he said, “There is no official response yet regarding the outlines of the agreement. But if the outline agreement is accepted then the War Cabinet will hold a meeting to discuss it. But till then, I encourage all 'political news sources' and decision makers to wait for the official update. Must act calmly and not fall into hysteria (psychosis) for political reasons.”

According to two US officials revealed to the American news agency CBS. CIA Director Mr. Williams Burns traveled to Cairo. To help act as an intermediary in this latest negotiation.

Mr. Blinken has also been a prominent figure in recent rounds of talks. He will also visit Israel again this week. Mr. Netanyahu to meet Mr. Blinken said Friday (May 3) in Arizona that “the only thing standing between the people of Gaza and a ceasefire is Hamas.”

Until now, ceasefire talks have been going on for months. Without progress there was no cessation of hostilities or release of additional hostages from late November 2023, although at the time a new deal seemed closer to reality. But it collapsed before the deal was signed.

This latest round of discussions needs to be done more carefully. A source familiar with the talks told the BBC: Talks remain complex and any progress could take days.

A source told the Washington Post that the US has asked Qatar to expel Hamas political leaders from the country. If Hamas rejects this ceasefire agreement.

Meanwhile, crowds gathered in Tel Aviv's Democracy Square. Israel should demand the release of the hostages

Relatives of the hostages also gathered at the Gurya military base in Tel Aviv. Urging the Israeli government to accept the cease-fire agreement. Some Mr. Others accuse Netanyahu of trying to undermine the proposed ceasefire, while others call for an end to the war.

Ayala Metzger, the 80-year-old niece of Yoram, an Israeli hostage, said the government must agree to end the war. If that is the price to be paid, the release of the hostages must be brought about

A 32-year-old Thai hostage from Udon Thani, kidnapped in the Gaza Strip on October 7, 2023, Mr. Watsara Sri-Uan's aunt, Ratana Sri-Uan, told BBC Mother that it had been over 6 months. .The family is still waiting for Watsara to return.

“We want each side to make some compromises. I want to empathize with my fellow human beings who are unaware of the conflict or involved in it. Can they be released back to their families? ” said Ratana, who prayed every day that Vajra would be released soon.

“Nobody understands how painful it is to wait unless it's a relative.

“I want to say this to the new foreign minister. I want to come out and confirm that. He still hasn't forgotten this. Let's hope he doesn't forget this and continues to help the Thai people. Please give the relatives some peace of mind and the ministry is still working on the matter,” the hostage's aunt told BBC Mother.

“At least we have the pictures we can see. Where was he arrested? What are the conditions? Can't you do anything about the ministry message?” She concluded with BBC Thai.

The war erupted after Hamas and other Palestinian armed groups attacked villages and military bases in southern Israel. At least 1,200 people died and more than 250 were taken hostage.

Israel's counteroffensive resulted in a series of military operations in the Gaza Strip. As a result, 34,654 Palestinians were killed and 77,908 were injured. This is according to figures from the Hamas-run Ministry of Public Health.