Dr. Tahseen Al-Astal, member of the Palestinian National Council, said that the atmosphere of the ongoing talks in Sharm El-Sheikh between the Israeli delegation and Hamas delegation appears positive, but still lacks practical steps on the ground by the Israeli side.

He added in an intervention with journalist Hassani Bashir on “Cairo News” channel today, Wednesday, that this positive atmosphere resulted from the seriousness shown by regional parties, foremost Egypt and Turkey, alongside expectations of pressure from the US administration and President Donald Trump on the Israeli government.

He continued: “Despite talk of progress in negotiations, Israeli bombardment continues in Gaza, Khan Younis, and Rafah in Palestine. At the moment I speak, Israeli aircraft are conducting air sorties, and heavy artillery shelling causes destruction of infrastructure and forces civilians to flee.”

He added: “Although the pace of casualties and martyrs has decreased, the occupation continues to commit crimes on the ground, and there can be no real truce before these attacks stop.”

Regarding the nature of the current negotiations, Al-Astal said this round is distinguished by clear international and regional pressure, but it is taking place under fire.

He noted that it was hoped that a ceasefire would be implemented as a confidence-building step, especially after Trump’s announcement of a plan that includes an immediate ceasefire once Hamas agrees.