The Israeli press reported that Egypt had presented a new proposal that included concessions from Benjamin Netanyahu’s government in order to reach a deal with the Islamic Resistance Movement (Hamas) that would include an exchange of prisoners and a ceasefire.
Israeli Channel 14 reported that Israel requested that Hamas release 33 prisoners in Gaza, in exchange for the release of hundreds of heavy-caliber Palestinian prisoners.
Israeli journalist Barak Ravid quoted Israeli officials as saying that there is an Egyptian draft that proposes that Israel make major concessions, including an implicit willingness to discuss ending the war, the full return of the displaced to their homes, the army’s withdrawal from the Netzarim Corridor, and of course preparation for a ceasefire after that.
The Israeli Kan channel reported that Israel is awaiting a response from Hamas that includes the number of prisoners it is holding.
There is currently an Egyptian security delegation in Israel that is holding intensive discussions with Israeli officials regarding reaching a deal with Hamas.
On the other hand, the Ministers of Finance and Internal Security, Bezalel Smotrich and Itamar Ben Gvir, threatened to withdraw from the government if Rafah was not invaded.
Continue negotiating
In this regard, the Wall Street Journal quoted Israeli officials as saying that the War Council directed its team to continue exchange negotiations after digital platforms published a video clip of the capture of female soldiers at an Israeli base on October 7th.
These developments coincided with the announcement of the Izz al-Din al-Qassam Brigades – the military arm of the Islamic Resistance Movement (Hamas) – that it had captured the commander of the Southern Brigade of the Gaza Division, Major General Assaf Hammami, on the 7th of last October.
She explained that Major General Assaf Hamami was injured during his captivity on October 7, without giving further details.
Months ago, Netanyahu announced the killing of Major General Hamami on the first day of Operation Al-Aqsa Flood, and offered condolences to his family.