Egypt Daily News – Israeli Channel 12 has reported that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir, and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich are opposed to an Egyptian initiative for a two-day ceasefire aimed at facilitating the exchange of four Israeli hostages for Palestinian prisoners.
This proposal, which has received majority support within the Israeli Cabinet, suggests that negotiations could further lead to a more comprehensive ceasefire within ten days.
President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi outlined the proposal during a joint press conference, expressing Egypt’s efforts to mediate an end to hostilities and move the situation towards peace.
However, Netanyahu’s opposition centers on his belief that negotiations should only occur while hostilities are ongoing, rather than through a ceasefire that may not guarantee the release of Israeli prisoners beforehand.
Currently, efforts to negotiate an end to the war, which began following a surprise attack by Hamas on Israel on October 7, 2023, are ongoing, involving the United States, Qatar, and Egypt.
The war has resulted in significant casualties on both sides, with Israeli losses including both civilian and military personnel and the capture of hostages, while Gaza has experienced severe devastation and substantial loss of life as a result of the Israeli military response.
As the situation evolves, Hamas has yet to comment on the Egyptian proposal, but there are indications that they are open to listening to new offers, provided these lead to a definitive end to the conflict and the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza.
