An Israeli delegation is in Cairo negotiating to extend the first phase of the Gaza ceasefire beyond Saturday, rather than moving into the next phase as Hamas demands, two Egyptian security sources said Friday.
Ceasefire at a Crossroads
The truce, which began last month, halted 15 months of fighting and led to the release of 33 Israeli hostages and nearly 2,000 Palestinian detainees. However, Israel and Hamas have accused each other of violations, casting doubt on the second phase, which was expected to include more hostage exchanges and talks on a permanent ceasefire.
Hamas urged the international community to pressure Israel into implementing the next phase immediately, but no agreement has been reached.
Israeli Proposal: A 42-Day Extension
Israeli officials are now negotiating a 42-day extension, during which Hamas would release three hostages per week in exchange for more Palestinian detainees, according to Egyptian sources.
Talks are mediated by Egypt and Qatar, with U.S. support. President Donald Trump said Thursday that discussions were “pretty good” but added, "Nobody really knows what will happen."
Uncertain Future for Gaza
Negotiations are further complicated by disagreements over Gaza’s future. Key unresolved issues include:
Who will govern Gaza after the war.
How security will be managed.
Reconstruction efforts and funding.
Trump recently proposed turning Gaza into a “Riviera of the Middle East”, with Palestinians displaced into Egypt and Jordan—a plan widely rejected by Arab leaders.
Read next
22:45
Kremlin
The Kremlin said on Monday that someone would have to force Volodymyr Zelenskyy to make peace and that the Ukrainian leader's public clash with U.S. President Donald Trump had shown just how hard it would be to find a way to end the war.
22:30
Congo army
Congolese soldiers in a mix of fatigues and street clothes crowded into a chapel last week to stand trial for crimes including rape and murder allegedly committed as they fled in the face of a lightning rebel advance.
20:00
Trump
U.S. President Donald Trump announced on social media that five digital assets will be included in a new U.S. strategic reserve of cryptocurrencies, a move that spurred a significant surge in market values.
17:30
Trump trade threats
The global ocean shipping industry, which handles roughly 80% of world trade, is facing heightened uncertainty amid a series of trade and geopolitical threats from the U.S. administration.
17:00
Japan's worst wildfires
Japan is battling its worst wildfires in more than 30 years as blazing infernos continue to scorch thousands of hectares of land each day.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment