Hamas wants a rapid resumption of negotiations to put an end to "the war of extermination," a member of the Islamist movement's Cairo delegation said on Wednesday, August 13, without providing further details. Furthermore, Egyptian mediators have initiated contacts with other Palestinian groups "to unify the ranks." Furthermore, on Wednesday evening, Egypt demanded explanations from Israel regarding its "Greater Israel" ideology.

Apart from general statements, nothing substantial has been released about the discussions that took place between the Hamas delegation, led by Khalil Al-Hayya, vice-president of Hamas's political bureau and Gaza's representative in the Palestinian parliament, and the head of the Egyptian intelligence services, General Hassan Rashad.

In Cairo, officials had discussed a 60-day ceasefire with an exchange of Israeli hostages and Palestinian prisoners. However, there was no specific word on an Israeli withdrawal or the surrender of weapons by Hamas.

However, Egypt has added a new dimension to the discussions: the search for a Palestinian national understanding. Cairo has initiated contacts with Fatah and the Palestinian Authority. The goal, an Egyptian official quoted by a media outlet close to the government said, is to unify the positions of the Palestinian parties for the formation of a commission of technocrats to manage Gaza after the ceasefire.

Cairo reports that contacts on this issue are also underway with Jordan, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.

Egypt demands explanation from Israel on 'Greater Israel' ideology

Egypt on Wednesday, August 13, condemned the ideology of "Greater Israel" and demanded an explanation from Israel, the Egyptian Foreign Ministry said.

"Egypt affirms its commitment to establishing peace in the Middle East and condemns what has been reported in some Israeli media about what is called 'Greater Israel.' It has requested clarification on this matter, in view of what it reflects in terms of provocation to instability, rejection of the option of peace in the region and insistence on escalation," the ministry wrote in a statement issued Wednesday evening.