Israel and Egypt have engaged in private discussions regarding a potential withdrawal of Israeli troops from the Gaza border with Egypt. This development, as reported by two Israeli officials and a senior Western diplomat, could pave the way for a cease-fire agreement with Hamas by removing a key obstacle.
After over nine months of conflict in Gaza, these talks between Israel and Egypt are part of a series of diplomatic initiatives spanning various regions, all aimed at securing a truce and establishing a framework for governing Gaza post-war.
Both Hamas, the former governing body of Gaza, and Fatah, the Palestinian Authority’s political faction, have confirmed that China will host upcoming meetings between them to facilitate reconciliation efforts.
In addition, Israel is sending its national security adviser, Tzachi Hanegbi, to Washington for meetings at the White House this week, as announced by the Israeli prime minister’s office.
Negotiations for a cease-fire have seen progress in recent days, yet significant disagreements persist. A key point of contention is the duration of the proposed cease-fire: Hamas is pushing for a permanent agreement, while Israel is leaning towards a temporary one.
Hamas has stipulated that an Israeli withdrawal from certain areas, including the Egypt-Gaza border, is a prerequisite for any cease-fire agreement.
