Egypt is intensifying its efforts towards brokering a deal between Israel and Hamas in Gaza, encompassing “the announcement of a ceasefire and a partial exchange of prisoners between the two sides.”
According to informed sources speaking to Asharq Al-Awsat, the situation is “moving towards reaching a ceasefire,” indicating that recent meetings in Cairo have made the situation “more flexible and less rigid than before.”
Ronen Bar, the director of the Israeli Security Agency (Shin Bet), visited Egypt on Tuesday, where he met with senior Egyptian officials.
The visit focused on “implementing a humanitarian ceasefire and the file of the exchange of prisoners.”
The Israeli official’s visit came five days after a meeting in Cairo between the head of the Egyptian intelligence agency, Abbas Kamel, and a delegation from Hamas led by Ismail Haniyeh, the head of the political bureau, and members Khaled Meshaal and Khalil al-Hayya.
“There is no comprehensive framework for a solution due to the intransigence of the Israeli government and its desire to complete the military plan to destroy the resistance strongholds in Gaza, and its reluctance to commit to any broad agreement,” an informed source, who requested anonymity, told Asharq Al-Awsat.
“However, there is flexibility that has recently emerged, promising partial solutions,” the source added, pointing out that Israel has allowed the entry of the first Egyptian fuel truck into Gaza since Oct. 7.
Efforts by Egypt are underway to broker a deal for the release of prisoners from both sides and a cessation of hostilities in Gaza, in coordination with the state of Qatar.
An official briefed on the progress of the negotiations disclosed to Reuters that Qatari mediators are attempting to negotiate an agreement between Hamas and Israel.
This agreement would involve the release of approximately 50 civilian detainees from Gaza in exchange for a declaration of a three-day ceasefire.
