By Hidayat al-Saidi
GAZA CITY (AA) - Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh on Friday spoke by phone with Amr Hanafi, deputy director of Egyptian intelligence, with whom he discussed proposals for reaching a ceasefire between Israel and Gaza-based resistance groups.
According to a statement released by Haniyeh’s office, the two men discussed "ongoing talks [between Hamas and Egypt] aimed at reaching an understanding [i.e. a ceasefire with Israel]".
They also reportedly discussed recent Israeli military escalations against the Hamas-run Gaza Strip.
According to the same statement, Haniyeh also voiced his appreciation for Egypt’s role in restraining recent Israeli aggression against the blockaded enclave.
On Monday, Israeli warplanes pounded a number of Hamas positions in Gaza, leaving several Palestinians injured.