Delegation set to meet in Cairo to discuss Hamas-Israel ceasefire proposal

A Hamas delegation is set to meet mediators in Cairo Wednesday, to discuss a U.S.-backed ceasefire proposal.

Throughout the nearly 21-month-long war, ceasefire talks between Israel and Hamas have repeatedly faltered over whether the war should end as part of any deal.

Hamas has said it is willing to free the remaining 50 hostages, less than half of whom are said to be alive, in exchange for a complete Israeli withdrawal from Gaza.

The militant group stopped short of accepting a proposal announced by the U.S. President Donald Trump earlier Wednesday, who insisted for a deal to bring an end to the war in the Gaza Strip.

Trump said Tuesday that Israel had agreed on terms for a 60-day ceasefire in the territory, and urged Hamas to accept the deal before conditions worsen.

Israel says it will only agree to end the war if Hamas surrenders, disarms, and exiles itself – something the group refuses to do.

With files from The Canadian Press.

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