According to an Israeli Broadcasting Corporation report today (Thursday), unnamed sources stated that Egypt is actively pursuing negotiations for a prisoner exchange deal between Israel and Hamas. This initiative aims to influence Israeli actions in Rafah, as reported by the Arab World News Agency.
Amid increasing speculation about an imminent Israeli military incursion into the southernmost area of the Gaza Strip, the broadcaster revealed that Israel has begun drafting what it describes as “new broad outlines that will form the basis for negotiations with Hamas.”
The report, citing sources familiar with the negotiation process, mentioned that members of Israel’s security cabinet are expected to receive a summary of the talks from the negotiating team in a session scheduled for today.
Egypt reiterated yesterday (Wednesday) its commitment to achieving an immediate and lasting ceasefire in Gaza, the exchange of detainees, and the facilitation of humanitarian aid. Egyptian Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly highlighted the risks of military escalation in the Palestinian city of Rafah, warning that it could lead the region into instability. Egypt, along with Qatar and the United States, plays a mediating role in the negotiations aimed at securing a truce in the sector and finalizing a prisoner exchange deal. Despite ongoing mediation efforts since January, these have not yet been successful. In an interview last week with CNN, Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry affirmed that “the talks are ongoing, and ideas are continuously being proposed. We will keep up our efforts until our goals are achieved.”
Since the outbreak of the Gaza war on October 7, Egypt has been actively involved in diplomatic efforts aimed at mediating the conflict and pushing for resolutions to stabilize the region. Egypt’s role has been multifaceted, focusing on negotiating ceasefires, facilitating humanitarian aid, and working towards long-term peace plans.
Egypt has been involved in high-level diplomatic engagements with key regional and global players, attempting to broker a ceasefire and negotiate the release of hostages. In collaboration with Qatar and the United States, Egypt has been part of ongoing discussions to formulate and propose solutions that address the immediate and underlying issues of the conflict.
Egypt’s government, under President Abdel Fattah El Sisi, has developed a post-war peace plan aimed at reforming Palestinian governance and uniting Palestinian factions. This plan suggests a transitional government of technocrats to oversee the Palestinian territories while preparing for elections, reflecting Egypt’s significant role and historical ties to the region.
