By Wafaa Shurafa And Samy Magdy, The Associated Press on December 20, 2023.
DEIR AL-BALAH, Gaza Strip (AP) – Hamas says its top leader, Ismail Haniyeh, has arrived in Cairo for talks on the war in Gaza. Egypt, along with Qatar – where Haniyeh is believed to be based – have both played a key role as mediators between the militant group and Israel since the war that began with Hamas’ Oct. 7 attack. Hamas said Haniyeh would discuss the war with Egyptian officials after having arrived Wednesday in Cairo, but did not provide details. Negotiations were underway on another cease-fire and the release of more hostages held by the militant group, but the two sides were believed to be far from an agreement. 5