Israeli media reported today, Sunday, that "a delegation comprising representatives from the Israeli government, military, and the Shin Bet has headed to Cairo." Negotiations, mediated by American, Egyptian, and Qatari officials, are set to resume this week in Cairo following meetings held on Thursday and Friday in Doha, aimed at reaching a ceasefire in Gaza. After two days of talks in Doha, which were not attended by Hamas, the mediating countries— the United States, Egypt, and Qatar— announced a new proposal that "narrows the gaps" between Israel and Hamas to achieve a ceasefire in the ongoing war that has lasted for over ten months, along with the release of Israeli prisoners.
U.S. President Joe Biden confirmed that an agreement is "closer than ever." However, Hamas leader Sami Abu Zuhri stated in a message to AFP on Saturday that this is an "illusion," stressing that Israel continues to "obstruct all efforts to finalize any agreement." He added, "We are not in front of a real agreement or negotiations but rather imposed American dictates."
Additionally, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called on Sunday for "pressure to be applied to Hamas," denouncing their "stubborn refusal" to reach a ceasefire agreement in Gaza, ahead of a new visit by U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken to Israel. Netanyahu stated, according to a press release from his office, that "Hamas has thus far insisted on its rejection and has not even sent a representative to the Doha negotiations. Therefore, pressure should be directed at Hamas and (its political bureau chief Yahya) Sinwar, not at the Israeli government." He continued, "We are in negotiations, and it's not a scenario where we simply give and give."
He emphasized, "There are matters we can show flexibility on and matters we cannot, and we insist on them." Furthermore, he noted, "Thus, alongside the tremendous efforts we are making to return the captives, we firmly adhere to the principles we have established, which are essential for Israel's security." Netanyahu stressed the necessity of applying "strong military and diplomatic pressure" on Hamas to reach an agreement.
These statements by Netanyahu came ahead of Blinken's arrival in Israel later on Sunday in efforts to reach a ceasefire agreement in the Gaza Strip. This marks Blinken's ninth visit to the Middle East since the outbreak of the war in Gaza on October 7. He is scheduled to meet with Netanyahu and other Israeli leaders before the resumption of ceasefire talks in Cairo next week.
