Egypt Daily News – The ongoing negotiations for a prisoner deal and a ceasefire in Gaza are described as being at a critical juncture, according to a source familiar with the discussions.
Both Egypt and Hamas are reportedly demanding the complete withdrawal of Israeli forces from the Philadelphi corridor, with Israel expressing a willingness to reduce its military presence, though Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu remains steadfast in his stance against a full withdrawal.
Additionally, the Israeli delegation that traveled to Cairo for talks returned without any substantive progress, having only been there for a day. The delegation was supposed to build on the outcomes of the previous week’s discussions in Doha, though it remains uncertain when the next meeting will occur.
Netanyahu’s office reported a successful three-hour meeting with U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, highlighting Israel’s adherence to American proposals that prioritize its security interests. Blinken’s visit to Israel, part of his ninth trip since the conflict escalated on October 7, 2023, includes plans to visit Egypt as well, with the aim of facilitating a ceasefire and a prisoner exchange.
Despite these diplomatic efforts, Israeli defense sources indicate that there are currently no signs of a potential agreement, and Hamas has blamed Netanyahu for hindering mediation attempts and obstructing the path to a ceasefire.
