The Egyptian and Israeli governments are discussing an arrangement for the besieged Gaza Strip. These talks, if successful, could see the return of the Palestinian Authority to the coastal enclave, a ceasefire, and the easing of the Israeli-Egyptian blockade. Any of these outcomes could provide some much-needed relief to the dire humanitarian situation in the embattled territory. CGTN's Yasser Hakim has more.  

There's been a power struggle between Hamas and Fatah in the last decade. Hamas rules Gaza, while the president of Palestine is a Fatah leader.

Egypt has intensified efforts recently to broker a deal between both sides.

ATEF ABDEL GHANY, DEPUTY EDITOR DAR EL-MAAREF "There are three main files in discussion. First easing the humanitarian crisis because of the blockade on Gaza. Second, solving the differences between the Palestinian sides, not just Hamas and Fatah but other factions too. Thirdly, to restart the road map for peace with Israel."

Hamas had been accused by several countries of hosting extremist militants in the enclave, who infiltrate to neighbours such as Egypt. A previous deal has allowed the Palestinian Authority to take control of the Rafah border crossing with Egypt, from Hamas. The current talks are discussing the possibility of allowing the Palestinian Authority to seize full control of Gaza. Other issues are at stake as well.

ATEF ABDEL GHANY, DEPUTY EDITOR DAR EL-MAAREF "Sticking points are related to issues rejected by some Palestinian factions, which is the disarming of Hamas and other factions. Secondly, is the handover of all Hamas offices and employees in Gaza to the Palestinian Authority. Egypt is providing new ideas to break the deadlock."

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has welcomed Egypt's efforts and called for international backing of the talks. Israel has informed Egypt it will lift the blockade on Gaza if negotiations were successful. Reconciliation can also unite Palestinians in their endeavours to regain their occupied land from Israel and create an independent state.

YASSER HAKIM CAIRO, EGYPT "Experts believe that resolving the Palestinian Israeli conflict will defuse a lot of tensions in the Middle East. But Palestinians need to resolve their own differences first. Yasser Hakim, CGTN, Cairo."