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Cairo, July 24, 2024 – Israel has notified Egypt that a security delegation will arrive in Cairo on Wednesday to advance negotiations on a hostage deal, local Egyptian media reported.
This development follows intense discussions involving Israel, Egypt, and Hamas regarding terms for a potential agreement to address the ongoing hostage crisis.
According to the report, Israel has indicated its acceptance of certain conditions related to the Philadelphi Corridor and Rafah, although the specific terms remain undisclosed.
The key issue appears to be Hamas’s demand for the dismantling of infrastructure in these areas, which is central to finalizing the negotiations.
In a parallel move, an Egyptian security delegation is scheduled to travel to Doha on Thursday to engage in discussions on a proposed deal and a temporary six-week ceasefire.
These efforts come as part of a broader international mediation process involving Egypt and Qatar.
Hamas has set forth several demands as prerequisites for continuing negotiations. The group is calling for a complete halt to military activities within the Gaza Strip, the release of approximately 1,000 prisoners in exchange for a third of the hostages, and the daily entry of 600 trucks into Gaza over a 42-day period.
Additionally, Hamas is pushing for the commencement of aid operations, restoration of infrastructure, and the reactivation of the Rafah crossing without an Israeli presence.
The situation remains fluid, and while there are indications of progress, significant obstacles remain.
Lt.-Col. (res.) Avi Kalo, former head of the Missing in Action (MIA) Department in the IDF’s intelligence unit, commented on the ongoing negotiations during a radio interview with 103FM.
He noted that although the negotiations appear to be reaching a critical juncture, the outcome remains uncertain.
“The six-week period within the agreement may lead to new challenges,” Kalo said, expressing concerns that various factors could disrupt the process.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed the situation during a meeting with hostages’ families in Washington on Tuesday.
He remarked that the conditions for a deal are “ripe” and highlighted the significant efforts mediated by Egypt and Qatar.
Netanyahu acknowledged that while progress has been made, the resolution will occur in stages rather than an immediate comprehensive agreement.
However, Hamas’s response to Netanyahu’s statements has been critical. Senior Hamas official Sami Abu Zuhri dismissed Netanyahu’s remarks as mere attempts to placate the families of Israeli captives.
“Netanyahu is still stalling,” Abu Zuhri told Reuters. “His delegations are only meant to calm the anger of the hostages’ families without making substantive progress.”
As the situation evolves, the international community remains closely engaged, monitoring the negotiations and their potential impact on the broader conflict between Israel and Hamas.
The coming days will be crucial in determining whether the ongoing diplomatic efforts will lead to a sustainable resolution or further complicate the already tense situation.