Hamas denies issue over talks, Italy pledges support, Egypt warns of humanitarian disaster

On May 25, a Hamas official denied information reported by Israeli media that negotiations on a ceasefire agreement in Gaza would continue in Cairo from May 28.

Smoke billows during Israeli strikes east of Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip on May 13, 2024. (Source: AFP/Getty Images)

Speaking to Reuters news agency, a Hamas official affirmed: "There is still no specific time for negotiations."

After more than seven months of conflict in Gaza, mediators have struggled to achieve a breakthrough on a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas.

Israel seeks to rescue hostages held by Hamas, while Hamas wants to end the war and release Palestinian prisoners held in Israel.

* On the same day, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni pledged support to achieve a sustainable ceasefire in Gaza.

Meeting with her Palestinian counterpart Mohammed Mustafa in Rome, Prime Minister Meloni said she was supporting international efforts to free all remaining hostages held by Hamas in Gaza and to work towards significantly improving the distribution of humanitarian aid to civilians.

The Italian Prime Minister's Office quoted Ms. Meloni as saying that it would increase funding for the "Food for Gaza" initiative, which the country is coordinating with a number of international humanitarian organizations to increase aid inside the blockaded area.

At the meeting, Prime Minister Meloni also reiterated the need to restart the political process leading to lasting peace based on the two-state solution.

* Also on May 25, a senior Egyptian source called for all land border crossings between Israel and the Gaza Strip to be opened promptly.

In comments to Al Qahera News channel, the source said that Egypt has warned of a humanitarian disaster due to Israel's relentless attacks on the health system, hospitals, bakeries, aid warehouses and safe areas in the Gaza Strip.

Cairo remains steadfast in its commitment to provide emergency aid to alleviate the suffering of the people of Gaza.

“The temporary measures now in place reflect Egypt’s recognition of the seriousness of the situation in Gaza,” the source stressed.

Egypt continues to push for a restart of talks on a ceasefire in Gaza and a prisoner exchange, sources said.

Cairo also conducted intensive contacts with the parties to restore peace in the Gaza Strip, and provided fuel and medical supplies to hospitals in the besieged Palestinian enclave.

Source: https://baoquocte.vn/tinh-hinh-gaza-hamas-phu-nhan-van-de-lien-quan-den-cac-cuoc-dam-phan-italy-cam-ket-ho-tro-ai-cap-canh-bao-tham-hoa-nhan-dao-272643.html