Published: 19:32, February 20, 2024 | Updated: 21:24, February 20, 2024
Hamas leader arrives in Cairo to hold talks on Gaza truce
By Xinhua

In this file photo released by Lebanese government, Ismail Haniyeh, the leader of the Palestinian militant group Hamas, speaks during a press conference after meeting with Lebanese President Michel Aoun, at the presidential palace, in Baabda, east of Beirut, Lebanon, June 28, 2021. (PHOTO / AP)

GAZA — Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh on Tuesday arrived in Cairo to hold talks with Egyptian officials on the Gaza truce.

Hamas said in a brief statement sent to Xinhua that Haniyeh arrived in Cairo at the head of a delegation from the movement's leadership.

The Hamas leader on Saturday accused Israel of impeding efforts to achieve a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip

READ MORE: Hamas: Israel obstructing efforts to reach ceasefire in Gaza

It added that the talks will focus on the political and on-the-ground situation in light of the aggressive conflict in Gaza and the efforts made to stop the aggression, provide relief to citizens, and achieve the goals of the Palestinian people.

The Hamas leader on Saturday accused Israel of impeding efforts to achieve a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, saying that they "showed full flexibility in dealing with these issues, but it is clear so far that Israel continues to procrastinate in the negotiations."

READ MORE: 26 EU nations urge 'immediate humanitarian pause' in Gaza

Israel has been fighting with Hamas in the Gaza Strip since Oct 7, 2023, after the group launched a surprise attack on southern Israel that killed about 1,200 people. Israel has so far killed more than 29,000 Palestinians, according to the Gaza-based Health Ministry.