Fatah Delegation Arrives in Egypt to Discuss 'Reconciliation'

A Palestinian boy runs in front of a concrete wall on the outskirts of Jerusalem. Reuters file photo
A Palestinian boy runs in front of a concrete wall on the outskirts of Jerusalem. Reuters file photo
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Fatah Delegation Arrives in Egypt to Discuss 'Reconciliation'

A Palestinian boy runs in front of a concrete wall on the outskirts of Jerusalem. Reuters file photo
A Palestinian boy runs in front of a concrete wall on the outskirts of Jerusalem. Reuters file photo

A delegation from Fatah movement arrived in Cairo Sunday to meet Egyptian officials and Hamas members for reconciliation talks and discussions on the upcoming general elections.

Munir al-Jaghoub, who heads Fatah's Information Department in the Office of Mobilization and Organization, stated that the delegation arrived in Cairo to tackle the Palestinian reconciliation efforts and to discuss topics of mutual interest.

Fatah Secretary-General Jibril Rajoub headed the delegation.

Earlier, the two biggest Palestinian factions agreed to hold the elections in order to put an end to division.

Reliable sources told Asharq Al-Awsat newspaper that the visit seeks to confirm Egypt’s position and significance as a partner in several issues.

It also seeks to discuss ties with the Palestinian Authority, noting that Egypt has been overseeing the reconciliation efforts for years.

Yet, for the first time, Qatar brokered this month an agreement for calm between Hamas and Fatah which for their part headed to Istanbul to announce the agreement.

In a related context, Egyptian authorities on Sunday reopened the Rafah crossing with the Gaza Strip in both directions, for three days.

The head of the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine, Jamil Mizher, slammed bilateral talks between the two factions, saying an inclusive national dialogue is the only guarantee to end division.

But Hamas confirmed that this agreement is not an alternative to the national dialogue rather an introduction to it.

Hussam Badran, a Hamas official responsible for national ties, expressed the movement’s keenness to reach a comprehensive national agreement on various matters.

His statement meant to reassure all factions that the final agreement on elections will be made with all Palestinian factions, not only Fatah.



Hamas Says Israeli Female Hostage Killed in North Gaza Area Hit by Israel

Relatives of Israeli hostages held in Gaza since October 7 protest outside the Defense Ministry headquarters in Tel Aviv on April 25, 2024. (Photo by JACK GUEZ / AFP)
Relatives of Israeli hostages held in Gaza since October 7 protest outside the Defense Ministry headquarters in Tel Aviv on April 25, 2024. (Photo by JACK GUEZ / AFP)
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Hamas Says Israeli Female Hostage Killed in North Gaza Area Hit by Israel

Relatives of Israeli hostages held in Gaza since October 7 protest outside the Defense Ministry headquarters in Tel Aviv on April 25, 2024. (Photo by JACK GUEZ / AFP)
Relatives of Israeli hostages held in Gaza since October 7 protest outside the Defense Ministry headquarters in Tel Aviv on April 25, 2024. (Photo by JACK GUEZ / AFP)

A spokesperson for Hamas' armed wing said on Saturday that a female Israeli hostage had been killed in an area of northern Gaza that had been struck by Israeli forces.

Earlier this week, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that Israel was offering a reward of $5 million to anybody who brings out a hostage held in Gaza.

"Anybody who brings out a hostage will find with us a secure way for them and their family to leave" Gaza, Netanyahu said in a video filmed inside the Palestinian territory, according to his office.

"We will also give them a reward of $5 million for each hostage."