Egyptian sources say Israelis, Resistance open to ceasefire: Reuters
According to two Egyptian security sources, "Israel" and Hamas are both open to a fresh truce and captive exchange, while disputes persist on how it would be accomplished.
-
Palestinians stranded in Egypt cross Rafah crossing to the Gaza Strip at Rafah, Egypt, as a temporary ceasefire went into effect, Monday, Nov. 27, 2023 (AP Photo/Amr Nabil)
Egyptian security sources told Reuters the Israeli occupation and Hamas are both open to a fresh truce and captive release, while disputes persist on how it would be accomplished.
The sources detailed how Egypt and Qatar, who had already arranged a week-long truce and captive release, insisted on expediting assistance.
While the crossing was open, they said that relief was being held up by inspections and had yet to arrive in Egypt.
According to Axios, Israeli Mossad spy agency head David Barnea met with Qatari Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani on Friday night in Europe to discuss continuing negotiations to release captives held in Gaza.
Two days ago, the Saudi Elaph news website revealed that a European capital is hosting secret meetings between an Israeli and a Qatari delegation to discuss a new prisoner-captive exchange deal with Hamas.
The egyptian sources divulged to Reuters that Hamas is adamant about unilaterally releasing captives and demanding that Israeli soldiers retire behind pre-determined boundaries.
The Israelis have reportedly said they needed time to inspect the list of captives before they agree to a time and duration for the truce, while refusing to withdraw from their invasion of Gaza.
Sources close to the discussions said they are "just the beginning" and that the process will be "long, difficult, and complicated."
CIA director Bill Burns and Egyptian intelligence chief Abbas Kamel were briefed on the meeting and are helping in the renewed push for a captive deal, the sources added.
Israeli media reported on Friday that the US National Security Advisor, Jake Sullivan, held a two-hour meeting with the head of the Mossad, David Barnea, and discussed the possibility of initiating an additional deal related to a new prisoner-captive exchange.
