Egypt has sent a delegation to Israel in an attempt to negotiate a cease-fire agreement with Hamas and prevent an Israeli offensive on the border with Rafah. There is growing international pressure for both sides to reach an agreement as casualties continue to rise. The talks initially focused on an exchange of hostages and the return of displaced Palestinians to their homes in northern Gaza with minimal restrictions. Mediators are working on a compromise that will address the main demands of both parties to pave the way for further negotiations towards a larger deal to end the conflict.
Hamas has insisted on a permanent cease-fire and a full withdrawal of Israeli troops, demands that Israel has rejected. Israel intends to continue military operations until Hamas is defeated and maintain a security presence in Gaza thereafter. The Egyptian delegation arrived in Tel Aviv to conduct talks, and both sides have confirmed that meetings have concluded with an agreement to work out a draft deal. Hamas expressed openness to suggestions that consider the needs of the Palestinian people, including ending Israeli attacks on Gaza, the return of displaced persons, and an Israeli withdrawal. The goal is to avoid a potential offensive in Rafah.
Overnight, Hezbollah launched an attack on an Israeli military convoy in a disputed border area, killing an Israeli civilian. This incident adds to the ongoing tensions along the Israel-Lebanon border, with Israel having targeted senior Hezbollah militants in recent months. On both sides of the border, tens of thousands of people have been displaced, with casualties mounting. In Israel, 10 civilians and 12 soldiers have been killed, while in Lebanon, over 350 people have been killed, including 50 civilians and 271 Hezbollah members.
Israeli forces have been conducting raids on Rafah, where over half of Gaza’s population has sought refuge after fleeing other areas. The military has deployed tanks and armored vehicles in southern Israel near Rafah, indicating preparations for a potential invasion. Egypt has warned against deploying troops near the Gaza-Egypt border, stating that it would violate the peace deal between Egypt and Israel. The Egyptian official shared intelligence with the US and European countries, indicating that an offensive in Rafah could escalate tensions in the region and have catastrophic consequences for humanitarian situations and peace and security.
Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sissi cautioned against an Israeli attack on Rafah, highlighting the potential negative impact on the region. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has faced pressure from the far-right flank of his government, with some demanding action in Rafah. The war between Israel and Hamas was triggered by a Hamas raid into southern Israel, resulting in casualties on both sides. The conflict has led to a high number of deaths and displacements, with ongoing negotiations aiming to secure a cease-fire agreement and prevent further escalation of violence.
