Israel New hostage talks in Cairo
An Israeli negotiating team is once again holding talks in Cairo about an agreement in the Gaza war.
22.08.2024, 23:29
SDA
The head of the Israeli foreign intelligence service Mossad, David Barnea, and the head of the domestic intelligence service Shin Bet, Ronen Bar, are currently negotiating an agreement in the Egyptian capital on the release of hostages held by Hamas, said an Israeli government spokesman. Part of the desired agreement is also the release of Palestinian prisoners.
In addition to the Israeli delegation, a delegation from the USA also arrived in Egypt at Cairo airport for further talks on ending the Gaza war, according to informed sources.
The Israeli newspaper "Haaretz", citing an Israeli representative, wrote that the negotiating team was preparing for a possible summit on Sunday "if Hamas shows signs of movement".
One of the biggest points of contention in the current negotiations over a ceasefire in the Gaza war is Israel's demand for permanent control of the southern border between the Gaza Strip and Egypt by Israeli security forces. Both Egypt and Hamas reject this. According to the Israeli army, a number of Hamas tunnels run under the corridor. Israel insists on control in order to prevent weapons smuggling.
Report: New proposals from Israel
Citing Egyptian sources, the "Wall Street Journal" reported on new Israeli proposals to control the so-called Philadelphi Corridor. According to the report, the Israeli negotiators have proposed having eight observation towers erected there. According to the information, the USA is said to have submitted a counter-proposal of two towers. Egypt rejected both proposals on the grounds that these towers would give the Israeli military permanent access to the area.
Egypt, Qatar and the USA are mediating in the indirect negotiations between Israel and Hamas, which have been going on for months. Hamas and Israel are not negotiating directly with each other. The ceasefire agreement is also intended to include the release of Israeli hostages held by Hamas and the release of Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails.
