IAccording to media reports, Israel sees the latest efforts at a ceasefire and hostage agreement in the Gaza war as a „last chance” before the planned attack on the city of Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip. A senior Israeli official said talks between Egyptian and Israeli representatives in Tel Aviv on Friday were “very good” and focused.
It seems that the Egyptians are ready to pressure the Islamic movement Hamas to reach an agreement. Progress was made in all areas in the talks, The Times of Israel cited related reports late Friday evening. The state-owned Cairo News Channel had previously reported significant progress.
The Israeli official was quoted as saying that Israel will not allow Hamas, especially its leader in Gaza, Jihya Sinwar, to delay the hostage deal to prevent the planned military attack in Rafah. A few days ago, the army mobilized two additional reserve brigades.
Initially, a limited agreement was reached with Hamas
Sinwar is considered the planner of the massacre that Israel witnessed on October 7 of last year, as a result of which about 1,200 Israelis were killed, and about 250 people were displaced to Gaza. It is believed to be located in tunnels under Rafah.
The Times of Israel quoted the unnamed Israeli government official as saying: “This is the last chance before we go to Rafah.” “Either an agreement in the near future or Rafah.” Israel wants to destroy the last remaining Hamas brigades in the southern Gaza City bordering Egypt. According to Israeli media, Egypt wants to reach an agreement to avoid the attack in Rafah. Egypt fears that Palestinians will cross the border in large numbers.
On the other hand, Hamas said that it had received an official response from Israel to the position of the extremist Palestinian Islamic organization in the ceasefire talks. Deputy Head of the Hamas Political Bureau in the Gaza Strip, Khalil Al-Hayya, said in a statement that the letter will be studied and a response will be provided.
New speculation about hostage deal – “Netanyahu feels forced to act”
WELT TV correspondent Max Hermes says that between 20 and 33 hostages from Hamas kidnappers may be released. Meanwhile, the US military has begun building a temporary dock for aid delivery on the coast of the Gaza Strip, according to the Department of Defense.
Source: WELT TV / Max Hermes
In Rafah, hundreds of thousands sought refuge to escape the fighting in the rest of the Gaza Strip. According to Israeli media, the recent talks between Egyptian and Israeli representatives were initially about a limited agreement with Hamas, under which only some women, the elderly, and the sick hostages would be released.
Hamas rejected an American proposal to release 40 of those kidnapped. According to her, there should not be a large number of hostages who fall into these categories alive. Hamas calls for a permanent ceasefire in Gaza, which the Israeli government rejects.
