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Arab World

Hamas Sources: Gaza Ceasefire Talks Ongoing Despite Israeli Obstacles

Palestinians in Gaza City wait to receive food aid on Monday (AFP)
Palestinians in Gaza City wait to receive food aid on Monday (AFP)
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Hamas Sources: Gaza Ceasefire Talks Ongoing Despite Israeli Obstacles

Palestinians in Gaza City wait to receive food aid on Monday (AFP)
Palestinians in Gaza City wait to receive food aid on Monday (AFP)

Despite accusations from Hamas that Israel is deliberately placing hurdles in the way of indirect negotiations in Doha aimed at securing a two-month ceasefire, sources within the movement confirmed to Asharq Al-Awsat that there are ongoing consultations.

Hamas sources said Israel continues to obstruct progress in the Qatar-hosted negotiations, which have been underway for over a week with only limited breakthroughs.

“Each time there is partial progress on some provisions, the Israeli delegation delays discussions on other points and refuses to engage until it receives fresh instructions from officials in Tel Aviv,” the sources explained.

Palestinian negotiators believe this approach is designed to buy time and apply pressure on the Palestinian factions’ team, while ultimately blaming them for any failure of the talks, which are dragging on due to Israel’s contradictory positions.

Humanitarian Aid a Major Sticking Point

The most significant obstacle, according to Hamas, remains Israel’s refusal to commit to a comprehensive withdrawal plan, as well as its insistence on maintaining the current aid delivery mechanism, which Hamas describes as a “death trap” for civilians in Gaza.

The sources said Israel has agreed in principle to allow aid into areas it withdraws from through international organizations. However, the Palestinian delegation is demanding that assistance be delivered under the humanitarian protocol negotiated in January.

This protocol is broader than Israel’s proposals and includes not only food and medical supplies, but also construction materials, equipment to repair hospitals and schools, and goods for the private sector to sell in local markets.

Israel has informed mediators that it reached an understanding with the European Union to allow 500 trucks per day into Gaza, which the Palestinian negotiators welcomed. Still, they insisted on clear guarantees that the deliveries would follow the January protocol without manipulation.

Maps and Withdrawal Timelines

Maps of military positions remain another major sticking point. The Hamas delegation is demanding that any Israeli withdrawal be based on the maps set out in the previous ceasefire agreement and implemented gradually according to a clear timetable.

That January agreement had allowed Israeli forces to remain temporarily in buffer zones around Gaza, ranging from 500 to 1,000 meters wide. The Palestinian side is adamant that troops must not remain inside Gaza itself and that the withdrawal must lead to a complete pullout in a second phase of the agreement.

According to the sources, the negotiators want precise language in each clause to prevent Israel from delaying or avoiding implementation, as has occurred in past agreements.

Waiting for US Pressure

Negotiations have not broken down, and the Hamas delegation believes American pressure will be critical to moving Israel off its current positions.

On Sunday evening, US President Donald Trump expressed hope that the ceasefire discussions would yield concrete results within days.

Later that night, a senior Hamas delegation met with Islamic Jihad leaders to coordinate positions and underscore that any deal must fulfill Palestinian aspirations, above all, ending the war, securing a full Israeli withdrawal, reopening crossings, and launching reconstruction.

Flexibility on the Morag Corridor

Meanwhile, Israel’s Security Cabinet convened Sunday evening to review the possibility of a prisoner swap. According to Channel 12, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told ministers he was interested in reaching an agreement on the hostages, even as Hamas continues to reject Israel’s terms. He warned that fighting could resume after any temporary ceasefire if Hamas does not accept Israel’s conditions for ending the war.

Yedioth Ahronoth reported that Netanyahu, once firmly opposed to any pullback from the Morag Corridor. a strategic strip that bisects Rafah and separates it from Khan Younis - is now willing to show some flexibility.

Israeli control of the 12-kilometer corridor would allow it to further fragment Gaza and expand its security buffer zones.

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Arab World

Egypt, Syria Boost Rapprochement Through Reconstruction, Economic Cooperation

Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty with his Syrian counterpart Asaad al-Shaibani during a meeting in New York last September. (Egyptian Foreign Ministry)
Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty with his Syrian counterpart Asaad al-Shaibani during a meeting in New York last September. (Egyptian Foreign Ministry)
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Egypt, Syria Boost Rapprochement Through Reconstruction, Economic Cooperation

Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty with his Syrian counterpart Asaad al-Shaibani during a meeting in New York last September. (Egyptian Foreign Ministry)
Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty with his Syrian counterpart Asaad al-Shaibani during a meeting in New York last September. (Egyptian Foreign Ministry)

Egypt and Syria are seeking to strengthen bilateral cooperation and expand economic and trade partnerships, following a series of visits and meetings at various levels in recent weeks.

Egypt’s Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty stressed his country’s “commitment to actively contributing to efforts to rebuild Syria.”

In a phone call with his Syrian counterpart, Asaad al-Shaibani, he highlighted the importance of building on the results of a recent visit by an Egyptian economic delegation to Damascus and following up on its outcomes in a way that serves the interests of both countries, according to a statement Thursday by Egypt’s Foreign Ministry.

In January, Damascus hosted the first Egyptian-Syrian Economic and Investment Forum, with the participation of 26 leaders from Egyptian chambers of commerce and the business community. The forum aimed to establish effective partnerships between the two countries’ commercial institutions and explore prospects for cooperation in trade, industry, services, infrastructure and reconstruction.

The Federation of Egyptian Chambers of Commerce said the forum sought to create Syrian-Egyptian-European alliances through the Union of Mediterranean Chambers, as well as to promote Syrian exports to Africa via the Federation of African Chambers.

During their call, Abdelatty and Shaibai also discussed ways to advance and develop bilateral relations across various fields, particularly in the economic and trade sectors.

Meanwhile, Syria’s Minister of Economy and Industry Nidal al-Shaar met with Egypt’s chargé d’affaires in Damascus, Ambassador Osama Khadr, to discuss ways to develop economic relations and partnerships.

According to the Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA), the talks addressed opportunities to expand economic cooperation, boost trade exchange and enhance collaboration across multiple sectors.

Al-Shaar stressed the importance of strengthening economic ties between Syria and Egypt and activating areas of cooperation in a way that serves mutual interests and supports market activity in both countries.

Former Egyptian assistant foreign minister Youssef El-Sharkawy said Egyptian-Syrian rapprochement is primarily driven by economic considerations.

Existing trade agreements between the two countries need to be activated to enhance cooperation, he remarked, adding that Cairo has continued to support Damascus both politically and economically.

In remarks to Asharq Al-Awsat, El-Sharkawy said economic cooperation represents a key avenue for strengthening rapprochement and improving political understanding, particularly amid evolving regional dynamics that require ongoing coordination with all parties.

Egypt remains committed to supporting the stability and sovereignty of Syria and its neighbors, especially Lebanon, he stressed.

According to Egypt’s Foreign Ministry, the call between Abdelatty and Shaibani also addressed the volatile regional situation amid escalating military tensions. Abdelatty pointed to Egyptian and regional efforts to contain tensions and de-escalate developments linked to Iran.

There has been progress in economic and trade cooperation between the two countries, according to Ayman El-Ashry, head of the Cairo Chamber of Commerce, who noted that the Syrian government is offering significant incentives to Egyptian investors.

Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa also met with an Egyptian business delegation during its January visit to Damascus, expressing appreciation for Egypt’s support, including its hosting of Syrian refugees during its civil war.

The World Bank estimates the cost of rebuilding Syria at around $216 billion, including $75 billion for housing, $59 billion for non-residential buildings and $82 billion for infrastructure.

Arab World

No ‘Positive Signs’ as Israel Refuses to Tie Ending War on Lebanon to Iran

In this photo released by the Lebanese Presidency press office, Lebanese President Joseph Aoun, right, shakes hands with Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty in Baabda, east of Beirut, Lebanon, Thursday, March 26, 2026. (Lebanese Presidency press office via AP)
In this photo released by the Lebanese Presidency press office, Lebanese President Joseph Aoun, right, shakes hands with Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty in Baabda, east of Beirut, Lebanon, Thursday, March 26, 2026. (Lebanese Presidency press office via AP)
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No ‘Positive Signs’ as Israel Refuses to Tie Ending War on Lebanon to Iran

In this photo released by the Lebanese Presidency press office, Lebanese President Joseph Aoun, right, shakes hands with Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty in Baabda, east of Beirut, Lebanon, Thursday, March 26, 2026. (Lebanese Presidency press office via AP)
In this photo released by the Lebanese Presidency press office, Lebanese President Joseph Aoun, right, shakes hands with Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty in Baabda, east of Beirut, Lebanon, Thursday, March 26, 2026. (Lebanese Presidency press office via AP)

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun reiterated on Thursday the need for the state to impose its authority throughout its territories and impose monopoly over weapons as part of an initiative to launch direct negotiations with Israel to end the war.

Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty said that his country was carrying out “intense” contacts, including relaying messages between Iran and the United States, and communicating with Israel, to ease the tensions and prevent the regional conflict from expanding.

Abdelatty was in Beirut where he met with Aoun and several officials as part of Egypt’s efforts to support Lebanon and contain the regional and international escalation.

He conveyed to Aoun President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi's support and “full solidarity with Lebanon, its leadership and people.”

He stressed that Egypt stands by Lebanon during its plight.

“Cairo will not spare an effort to offer political, diplomatic and humanitarian support and it is constantly working with various concerned parties to ease the tensions and avert a deterioration,” added the FM.

‘Unencouraging’ signs

Sources monitoring Abdelatty’s meetings in Beirut said the signs were “unencouraging” and that the political and military circumstances “are not positive” when it comes to Lebanon, especially with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s refusal that the war on Lebanon be included in US-Iran negotiations on ending the regional conflict.

He is insisting on his position to eliminate Hezbollah regardless if a ceasefire is reached between Washington and Tehran, said the sources, meaning the war on Lebanon will stretch on.

They warned that the Lebanese front may witness further escalation in the coming phase.

Abdelatty echoed these concerns, telling reporters in Lebanon that “diplomacy continues, but it has not reached tangible results.”

“Some sides are seeking calm and exploring the possibility of negotiations, so progress may be achieved in the future,” he revealed.

Aoun

Aoun underscored his initiative aimed at ending the military escalation and the Israeli occupation of southern regions, as well as the Lebanese state imposing its authority throughout its territories.

The initiative is based on consolidating security and stability across Lebanon’s borders and preventing any armed presence outside the state, he added. Illegal weapons will be seized to ensure state monopoly over arms and that it alone has control over decisions of war and peace.

“Lebanon does not want to be an arena for the wars of others,” he declared. “Lebanon’s official position reflects a clear desire to keep the country out of regional conflicts.”

He warned that Israel’s failure to respond to his proposal means that the military escalation will continue, deepening the suffering of the people, especially those in the South.

“The Lebanese people are united in refusing to be dragged to civil war,” Aoun added. The army and security forces are carrying out their duties in preserving civil peace and protecting the people, especially the displaced in shelters.

Referring to the continued escalation, he lamented that “might is still prevailing over reason.”

Humanitarian aid

Abdelatty announced that Egypt has sent nearly a 1,000 tons of humanitarian aid to Lebanon that include medical and food products and shelters for the displaced.

“The aid reflects the Egyptian people’s solidarity with the Lebanese people and their keenness on easing their suffering,” the FM stressed.

“Egypt is ready to meet all the demands of our brothers in Lebanon, on the humanitarian, political or diplomatic levels. It will not relent in maintaining its efforts to end the hostilities and restore calm,” he added.

Arab World

Iraq Condemns Any ‘Aggression, Targeting’ of Gulf States, Jordan

An Iraqi soldier stands guard at the site of a destroyed healthcare center in the Habbaniyah military base, which was targeted by in an airstrike killing seven security personnel and wounding 13 others, in Habbaniyah, west of Baghdad on March 26, 2026. (AFP)
An Iraqi soldier stands guard at the site of a destroyed healthcare center in the Habbaniyah military base, which was targeted by in an airstrike killing seven security personnel and wounding 13 others, in Habbaniyah, west of Baghdad on March 26, 2026. (AFP)
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Iraq Condemns Any ‘Aggression, Targeting’ of Gulf States, Jordan

An Iraqi soldier stands guard at the site of a destroyed healthcare center in the Habbaniyah military base, which was targeted by in an airstrike killing seven security personnel and wounding 13 others, in Habbaniyah, west of Baghdad on March 26, 2026. (AFP)
An Iraqi soldier stands guard at the site of a destroyed healthcare center in the Habbaniyah military base, which was targeted by in an airstrike killing seven security personnel and wounding 13 others, in Habbaniyah, west of Baghdad on March 26, 2026. (AFP)

Iraq on Thursday condemned the targeting of the Gulf states and Jordan, a day after these countries issued a joint statement demanding Baghdad act to prevent attacks from its territory.

The Iraqi foreign ministry "affirms the government's categorical condemnation of any aggression or targeting of the Gulf countries and the Kingdom of Jordan", it said in a statement, adding it was prepared to "work jointly to address them (attacks) responsibly and swiftly".

Iraq was committed to taking the "necessary measures to manage the security challenges", it added.

On Wednesday, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain and Jordan issued a joint statement demanding that Baghdad act immediately to prevent attacks from its territory by Iran-backed armed groups.

Iraq has been drawn into the war sparked by US and Israeli strikes against Iran on February 28.

Pro-Tehran Iraqi groups have said they have targeted US interests in the country, as well as the wider region.

Kuwait and Jordan have both said they have been targeted by Iraqi armed factions.

A shadowy group called Saraya Awliyaa al-Dam (Guardians of the Blood Brigades), which claims to be part of the Tehran-backed Islamic Resistance in Iraq, has claimed attacks on the two countries.

On Wednesday, reacting to the joint statement, the group said attacks "by the Islamic Resistance strictly target the American presence" in the Gulf nations and Jordan.