Politics Circles: Israeli delegation traveled to Egypt
A high-ranking Israeli negotiating delegation has arrived in Egypt at Cairo airport, according to informed sources.
04.07.2024, 11:49
SDA
The Israeli representatives were received by Egyptian security officials, it was reported. During the visit to Egypt, which lasted several hours, the aim was to find ways to reach an agreement on a ceasefire in the Gaza war and the release of hostages taken from Israel to the Gaza Strip in October. The Israeli government spokesperson did not wish to comment on the visit when asked.
Israel declared on Wednesday evening that it would examine a corresponding proposal from Hamas. According to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office, the mediating states USA, Qatar and Egypt had submitted a draft from the Islamist organization to the Israeli negotiating team. According to the statement, Israel wanted to submit a response to the mediators after examining the proposal.
Hamas announced that it would exchange "some ideas" with the mediators in order to achieve an end to the war. The content of the Hamas proposal was not initially known. It was also unclear to what extent it deviated from the last plan discussed.
Efforts have been underway for months to use indirect negotiations to persuade Israel to agree to a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip and Hamas to release hostages from its control - so far without success. At the end of May, US President Joe Biden presented a three-stage plan, but Hamas did not agree to it and demanded changes. So far, an agreement has failed mainly because Hamas is demanding a complete end to the war in Gaza, while Israel rejects this and speaks of a willingness for a temporary ceasefire.
