Israeli delegation leaves Cairo, considers US proposal 'serious'
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In a new development in negotiations, the Israeli delegation regards the newly devised American proposal as 'serious' and comprehensive.
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A handout picture released by the Egyptian Presidency shows Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sissi (R) meeting with CIA director William Burns (C-L) at Ittihadiya Palace in Cairo, on February 13, 2024. (AFP)
Israeli Channel 12 reported on Monday that the Israeli delegation to Cairo, led by Mossad chief David Barnea, was heading back to the occupation.
According to the news outlet, negotiators discussed on Sunday a US-brokered proposal embraced by mediators, including the head of the CIA. "Israel" reportedly said it was a serious proposal and has yet to respond to it.
Hamas's delegation to Cairo had confirmed, during a meeting with the Egyptian Minister of Intelligence, Abbas Kamel, the movement’s adherence to its national demands in the ceasefire negotiations.
No agreement if Resistance demands not secured
Earlier on Monday, a senior source within the Palestinian factions told Al Mayadeen that no progress has been achieved in the ongoing negotiations in Cairo.
The source affirmed that the Resistance's delegation went to the negotiations in Cairo armed with the nationally agreed-upon Palestinian stance.
The source stressed that Palestinian demands are clear, and there will be no agreement or exchange deal without securing them.
These include an immediate cessation of hostilities, the withdrawal of Israeli occupation forces from Gaza, the return of displaced persons, accommodation for the people of Gaza, and the reconstruction of the Strip.
The demands also include the opening of crossings for the entry of aid into Gaza, the lifting of the Israeli siege imposed on the Strip, and the completion of a genuine prisoner exchange deal.
According to the source, all attempts and efforts made by mediators to achieve an agreement and a prisoner exchange deal have been met with intransigence and obstruction by the Israeli occupation.
Netanyahu promises Israelis victory after large-scale Gaza withdrawal
The Israeli occupation is "one step away from victory," Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, claimed on Sunday after news broke out that almost all Israeli occupation forces combat units withdrew from the Gaza Strip.
In the same address, Netanyahu vowed that his government will not agree to a truce until the Palestinian Resistance frees all Israeli captives, most of whom are military personnel taken captive on October 7, 2023.
"We are one step away from victory," Netanyahu said. "But the price we paid is painful and heartbreaking."
"There will be no ceasefire without the return of hostages. It just won't happen," the Israeli Prime Minister said, as mediated talks were expected to resume in Cairo between the Israeli side and the Palestinian Resistance.
Earlier today, Israeli media outlets reported on the withdrawal of the 98th Division, comprising three brigades, including the 7th Armored Brigade, from Khan Younis after four months of confrontations there.
Only one brigade, the Nahal Patrol Brigade, remained stationed in the Gaza Strip. It was emphasized that the brigade's main task was to secure the Netzarim Corridor, to impede the return of Gaza residents to the northern Strip.
