Israel is sending a delegation to Egypt for ceasefire talks, where Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu insisted on maintaining control of Gaza territory bordering Egypt. The delegation includes members from Israel’s domestic intelligence agency Shin Bet and the military, headed to Cairo following negotiations in Doha with representatives from Qatar, Egypt, and the United States.
With ongoing attacks in Gaza, Israel has urged Palestinians to evacuate, worsening the humanitarian crisis. The United Nations has highlighted the dire situation, with nearly half a million people suffering from extreme hunger in the region. Talks aim to exchange hostages and achieve a lasting ceasefire, though Hamas demands a swift end to the conflict while Israel seeks to maintain the option of attacking Gaza post-hostage release.
Netanyahu’s demand for Israeli control over Gaza border
Netanyahu requested Israel keeps key Gaza territory along the Egyptian border to prevent weapon transfers to Hamas. This condition, part of Israel’s four principles, contradicts Hamas’s call for Israeli withdrawal from Gaza post-ceasefire. Israeli negotiators in Doha emphasized the importance of achieving war aims and destroying Hamas.