This was reported by the TV channel group Al-Kahira News, which is close to the Egyptian secret service, citing a “high-ranking representative”. Egypt’s state television had previously reported “significant progress” in the talks held without Israel.
The mediators have been trying for weeks to reach an agreement for a ceasefire and the release of the 130 hostages still held by Hamas before the start of the Islamic fasting month of Ramadan. This starts on March 10th or 11th this year.
Hostages should be released
There are currently negotiated proposals on the table that would halt fighting in the Gaza Strip for six weeks. In return, Hamas should release Israeli hostages in exchange for Palestinians imprisoned in Israel.
Israel has so far stayed away from the negotiations because it requires the terrorist organization to submit a list of the still living hostages as an advance payment. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called for Hamas to give in. “We are making great efforts to be successful, but one thing is clear to you – we will not capitulate to Hamas’ delusional demands,” he said in Tel Aviv on Sunday evening.
