Palestinian Groups in Cairo Announce Gaza Ceasefire 'Closer Than Ever' if Israel Drops New Demands

Dec 21, 2024, 04:30 PM

After meetings in Cairo on Friday, Hamas and two other Palestinian groups, Islamic Jihad and the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP), announced that a Gaza ceasefire agreement with Israel is "closer than ever" if Israel stops imposing new conditions. In a rare joint statement, the factions expressed optimism that an agreement could be reached before the end of the year, provided that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu does not obstruct it with new demands. The groups discussed developments in the war and negotiations, as well as steps to form a societal support committee to manage the Gaza Strip. They emphasized that "the weapons of the resistance are legitimate and must not be compromised" and stressed the importance of unity in confronting Israel.