CAIRO: Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi met with CIA Director William Burns in Cairo on Thursday to discuss mediation efforts aimed at establishing a cease-fire in the Gaza Strip. The discussions focused on advancing negotiations for a cease-fire and a potential prisoner swap deal between Hamas and Israel, according to a statement from the Egyptian presidency.
According to Anadolu Agency, the talks also emphasized the urgent need to allow humanitarian aid into Gaza, as the conditions in the enclave continue to deteriorate. Despite mediation efforts led by the United States, Egypt, and Qatar, a cease-fire in Gaza has yet to be achieved. However, U.S. officials suggest that the recent killing of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar by Israeli forces on October 18 could potentially lead to a breakthrough in negotiations.
Hamas has stated that the conflict will only cease when Israel halts its military operations in the blockaded enclave. Since last October, these operations have resulted in the deaths of over 43,1
00 people. The ongoing Israeli military campaign has displaced nearly the entire population of Gaza, exacerbating the shortages of essential supplies like food, clean water, and medicine.
In addition to the humanitarian crisis, Israel is facing a genocide case at the International Court of Justice concerning its actions in Gaza.