Despite no official confirmation from Egypt, a delegation is expected to arrive in Tel Aviv today, Friday, hoping to advance talks aimed at reaching a ceasefire and the release of Israeli prisoners held in the Gaza Strip. The Egyptian delegation is likely to receive a response regarding a proposal for the release of dozens of Israeli prisoners in exchange for a ceasefire. Israeli officials reported that the government discussed a new ceasefire proposal on Thursday, which includes the release of prisoners ahead of the anticipated visit from the Egyptian delegation.
A senior Israeli official revealed that the discussions particularly focused on a proposal to initially release 20 prisoners deemed "humanitarian cases," according to the "Walla" news site. Meanwhile, international efforts concerning the prisoner exchange and ceasefire negotiations are racing against time to halt Israel's plans to invade the southern city of Rafah, which is densely populated with displaced Palestinian civilians.
Gazzy Hamad, a member of the Hamas political bureau from Qatar, stated that a potential Israeli military assault on Rafah would not achieve what Israel desires. He added, "We have spoken with all parties related to the ongoing conflict, whether the brothers in Egypt, Qatar, or other Arab and international parties, about the dangers of invading Rafah, emphasizing that Israel is heading towards committing additional massacres and further genocide."
In the meantime, relatives of Israeli prisoners protested in front of the Defense Ministry in Tel Aviv late Thursday, continuing to pressure the Israeli government for the release of those held in Gaza. Some demonstrators tied their hands and smeared them with red paint, while others covered their mouths with tape marked with the number "202," referring to the days that have passed since October 7. Some carried a banner that read "Agreement on Hostages Now."
Leaders from 18 countries, including the United States, France, the United Kingdom, and Germany, issued a joint statement yesterday calling for the "immediate release of all hostages held by Hamas." The statement published by the White House confirmed that "the proposed agreement on the table for the release of hostages would allow for an immediate and prolonged ceasefire in the sector."
