Egyptian mediators meet Israeli delegation to reach ceasefire in Gaza

CAIRO - 25 October 2024: A high-level Egyptian security and military delegation fmet with the head of Israeli Mossad and a delegation from the Shin Bet, as part of intensive Egyptian efforts to resume negotiations, cease fire in Gaza, and achieve stability in the region, said an Egyptian high-rank official on Thursday evening.

Egypt stressed to the Israeli delegation its rejection of the ongoing military operation in the northern Gaza Strip and warned of the danger of Israel’s continuous obstructing the entry of humanitarian aid into the Gaza Strip, the official added.

The meeting convened after the head of the Israeli Shin Bet visited Cairo on Sunday and met with the head of Egyptian intelligence Hassan Mahmoud Rashad to revive the ceasefire talks, especially after killing the head of Hamas Yahya Sinwar. According to Israeli media, Egypt has proposed a two-week truce in the Gaza Strip to pave the way for a permanent ceasefire. 

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office announced on Thursday that Netanyahu welcomed Egypt's willingness to promote an agreement to release the hostages.

Meanwhile, an Egyptian official source said that the high-level Egyptian security delegation is meeting with a delegation of Hamas leaders, led by Khalil Al Hqya, in Cairo to review the current situation in the Gaza Strip and ways to overcome the obstacles facing the truce in the Strip.

Official source added that the meeting comes within the framework of Egyptian efforts to resume ceasefire negotiations in the Gaza Strip.

Official source confirmed Egypt's commitment to continue increasing the entry of humanitarian aid to relieve the people of the Gaza Strip.

Hamas leader Osama Hemdan said that Hamas delegation went to Cairo to listen to the proposal, but there is no change in the movement's position. He added that the only way to release the Israeli captives held by the resistance fighters is by stopping the aggression and complete withdrawal. 

He continued that resistance fighters in northern Gaza are determined to continue the resistance.