Egypt remains steadfast in its efforts to mediate a ceasefire and secure a hostage release deal in Gaza, despite skepticism about its role. According to two Egyptian security sources, Egypt is actively coordinating with Israel to schedule new negotiation dates.
For several months, Egypt, Qatar, and the United States have been engaged in intermittent discussions aimed at reaching a phased agreement between Israel and Hamas. The goal is to establish a truce in Gaza and gradually release Israeli hostages held by Hamas.
Amid recent tensions and Israel’s military advancements in Rafah, Egypt hinted on Wednesday at potentially stepping back from its mediator role. However, subsequent calls from Israeli security officials on Wednesday and Thursday reassured Egypt of Israel’s appreciation for its mediation efforts.
During these calls, Egyptian mediators expressed their commitment to concluding the Gaza negotiations and agreed to set a date for further talks. Following a late-night war cabinet meeting on Wednesday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office released a statement confirming that the negotiation team has been directed to persist in efforts to secure the hostages’ return.
The ongoing Israeli offensive in Rafah and the decision to assume operational control of the Rafah crossing between Gaza and Egypt’s Sinai Peninsula have raised concerns in Egypt. Egyptian officials are particularly worried about the potential for mass displacement of Palestinians due to the conflict.
The United States has urged Egypt to facilitate the resumption of aid deliveries through the Rafah crossing. However, Egypt insists that the Gaza side of the crossing must be returned to Palestinian control to enable the flow of aid.
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