In an effort to broker a comprehensive ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, Egypt is currently facilitating discussions involving delegations from Hamas, Israel, Qatar, and the United States in Cairo. The aim of these talks is to reach a resolution to the ongoing conflict that has gripped the region.
According to an Egyptian source who requested anonymity, the Israeli delegation, comprising members of the Israeli intelligence agency Mossad and the Shin Bet security agency, arrived in Cairo on Tuesday afternoon. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, in a video statement, expressed his directive to the delegation to uphold conditions necessary for the release of hostages and ensure Israel’s security.
However, Netanyahu noted that the ceasefire proposal, backed by Egyptian and Qatari mediators and accepted by Hamas on Monday, did not meet Israel’s essential requirements.
Egypt, as quoted by state-affiliated Al-Qahera News, is actively engaged in efforts to achieve a comprehensive truce. An unnamed high-ranking source emphasized Egypt’s commitment to communication with various parties to mitigate the crisis.
Meanwhile, amidst the diplomatic efforts, the Israeli army initiated a military operation in Rafah, Gaza’s southernmost city, on Tuesday. The offensive targeted the area where over a million internally displaced Palestinians have sought refuge since the commencement of Israel’s offensive on October 7 the previous year. Palestinian official news agency WAFA reported at least 20 casualties resulting from Israeli attacks in Rafah.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres issued a call on Tuesday urging both Israel and Hamas to bring an end to the ongoing conflict. Guterres emphasized the critical juncture faced by both Palestinian and Israeli populations and the broader implications for the region. He stressed the necessity of an agreement between the Israeli government and Hamas to alleviate the suffering of Palestinians in Gaza and address the plight of hostages and their families.
The current negotiations echo previous efforts mediated by Cairo, Doha, and Washington, which resulted in a week-long truce between Israel and Hamas in late November 2023. This truce included provisions such as a prisoner swap between Palestinians and Israelis and increased humanitarian aid delivery to Gaza.
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