Israeli broadcasting authority reported today, Saturday, that "Israel will not make any commitments regarding ceasefire issues before knowing the extent of Hamas's flexibility." The authority added that "Israel confirmed that its delegation would not head to Cairo to continue negotiations until Hamas provides its response to the ceasefire proposal." For his part, Israeli war cabinet member Benny Gantz stated, "We have not yet received an official response from Hamas, and when we do, the war cabinet will convene to discuss it." Channel 12 reported from a source in Hamas saying that "the movement has agreed to the first phase of the ceasefire deal and the release of hostages, with a U.S. guarantee that Israel will fully withdraw from Gaza after 124 days upon completing the three phases of the agreement."
A high-ranking Egyptian source confirmed that the negotiations hosted by Cairo for a ceasefire agreement in the Gaza Strip "are witnessing significant progress." Earlier today, a delegation from Hamas and the Director of the U.S. Central Intelligence Agency, William Burns, arrived in the Egyptian capital to continue discussions on a ceasefire agreement with Israel in Gaza, according to Cairo News Channel. The channel pointed out that the Egyptian security delegation negotiating has "reached a consensus on many points of contention."
According to the "Times of Israel," the negotiations are at a crossroads this weekend, awaiting Hamas's response to a new framework proposed by Egypt, which calls for the release of up to 33 Israelis in exchange for a cessation of hostilities in Gaza. Egypt is intensifying its efforts to bolster the negotiating positions of both parties to reach a ceasefire and avoid escalation in the near term. Ismail Haniya, head of Hamas's political bureau, praised Egypt’s role and confirmed the positive spirit within the movement in considering the ceasefire proposal.
