An Israeli delegation is set to travel to Cairo for ceasefire and hostage release negotiations that are scheduled to resume today, as confirmed by an Israeli official. On the other side, a Hamas delegation had planned to head to Cairo yesterday to receive updates from mediators on the ongoing talks, according to Izzat al-Rishq, a member of the Hamas political bureau.
Despite efforts to reach an agreement, several sticking points persist in the negotiations over a potential three-phase deal. Senior negotiators are expected to convene this weekend to address these issues. Concerns have emerged recently that the broader regional conflict could impact the progress of the negotiations.
Hamas has expressed its support for the three-phase proposal put forward by US President Joe Biden. The proposal includes the release of hostages from Gaza, a comprehensive ceasefire, and the liberation of Palestinian prisoners held in Israel. However, Hamas has voiced dissatisfaction with the latest proposal, citing concerns about the absence of a permanent ceasefire and new conditions related to the prisoner exchange.
Israel has emphasized that any break in the fighting following the proposed initial six-week phase may not lead to a permanent ceasefire. The Israeli stance indicates a reluctance to commit to a long-term cessation of hostilities at this stage.
An Egyptian official involved in the negotiations disclosed that significant gaps still exist before reaching a final agreement. Egypt is advocating for the complete withdrawal of Israeli troops from the Philadelphi corridor, an 8.7-mile stretch of land in southern Gaza under Israeli control.
Providing context to the current situation, in May, President Biden outlined a three-phase proposal reportedly submitted by Israel. The proposal aims to combine the release of Gaza hostages with a comprehensive ceasefire and the liberation of Palestinian prisoners detained in Israel.
