Hamas and Islamic Jihad reject an Egyptian ceasefire proposal

Cairo -Hamas and Islamic Jihad rejected a proposal by the Egyptian government to relinquish control over the Gaza Strip in exchange for a permanent ceasefire, according to Egyptian security sources.

The two groups, who held separate talks with Egyptian mediators in Cairo, refused to offer any concessions beyond the possible release of more Israeli hostages captured on October 7.

Egypt has reportedly proposed a cease-fire in exchange for the release of remaining Israelis, leading to a broader agreement that would include reforming the leadership of Gaza, currently led by Hamas.

Egypt proposed elections with a promise to Hamas that its members would not be expelled or prosecuted, but Hamas refused any compromise other than the release of the hostages and Palestinian prisoners.

More than 100 hostages are believed to be still being held in Gaza.

A Hamas official who recently visited Cairo declined to comment directly on specific demands for a temporary humanitarian ceasefire and pointed to its official position.

Also, a delegation from the Islamic Jihad group is currently in Cairo, to discuss a ceasefire, the exchange of prisoners, and other issues.

Before the war, there were 5,250 Palestinians in Israeli jails, but the number has now reached 10,000 as Israel has detained thousands more in the West Bank and Gaza since October 7, according to the Palestinian Prisoners Association.