An Israeli official clarified that the Israeli negotiating delegation has obtained some concessions from Hamas through intermediaries regarding the mechanism for the release of Israeli prisoners held in Gaza in exchange for Palestinian prisoners. The official, who requested anonymity, stated on Friday that Egypt is unlikely to withdraw from mediation because it is deeply connected to the conflict, given its shared border with the Palestinian territory, according to the "Times of Israel." Additionally, he noted that "Qatar, trusted by the US administration, will also remain engaged in mediation efforts."
Two Egyptian security sources also confirmed on Thursday that Cairo is still committed to aiding negotiations for a ceasefire agreement, despite skepticism about the mediation efforts. They revealed that Egyptian mediators received phone calls from Israeli security officials in the past two days thanking Egypt for its role. These statements followed a period of tension in relations between Egypt and Israel, particularly with Israel's expansion in Rafah amid reports of opening a new route between the Kerem Shalom crossing and the Rafah crossing, as well as an increase in Egyptian military presence along the border with Gaza.
The situation also escalated after mutual accusations between both sides regarding the closure of the Rafah border crossing, with Egypt hinting last Wednesday at the possibility of withdrawing from mediation after allegations of manipulation of the proposal presented to Israel on one side and Hamas on the other. It is worth noting that indirect negotiation rounds were hosted by Cairo weeks ago, but they failed like their predecessors to reach an agreement to stop the fighting in Gaza and secure the release of Israeli prisoners held in the besieged and devastated Palestinian territory.
