As Palestinians anxiously await Israel's plans to invade the city of Rafah in southern Gaza, the efforts of mediators, particularly Egypt, have intensified in pushing for a ceasefire in the region. An Egyptian security delegation arrived in Tel Aviv yesterday to discuss what appears to be a new proposal regarding a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas and a prisoner exchange. Sources for Al Arabiya/Al Hadath have indicated that the Egyptian side emphasized the necessity of reaching a humanitarian truce lasting several weeks.
Furthermore, the delegation reaffirmed during talks with Israeli officials their complete rejection of any form of an invasion of Rafah. They also called for the expedited entry of aid into Gaza without restrictions and the opening of crossings. Additionally, they stressed the importance of allowing displaced individuals to return to northern Gaza without restrictions or limits on numbers and the need to establish safe corridors.
Israeli sources had indicated that the Egyptian delegation brought a proposal that included the release of all Israeli prisoners, a halt to the invasion of Rafah, and a ceasefire lasting no less than a year during which Hamas would stop attacking Israel, according to the Israeli Broadcasting Authority. Meanwhile, an informed official stated that the Egyptian delegation held talks with Israeli officials to explore ways to resume negotiations aimed at ending the war in Gaza and securing the release of additional Israeli prisoners.
The official, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, noted that Israel has no new proposals to offer but is willing to discuss a limited ceasefire that would result in the release of 33 hostages instead of the previously discussed 40 held by Hamas. Moreover, Hamas stated in a late-night statement on Friday to Saturday that it had received the official Israeli response to the movement’s stance that was submitted to Egyptian and Qatari mediators on April 13.
