Egypt has called on Israel to avoid hindering ongoing ceasefire negotiations in Gaza by introducing new principles that contradict previously agreed-upon terms, according to a high-level source cited by the Egyptian news channel “Cairo News” on Saturday.
The source added that “the Israeli leadership is attempting to manage public opinion by wasting time in formal meetings, distracting the Israeli public from reaching a deal.”
Reuters reported on Saturday, citing two Egyptian security sources, that the Gaza ceasefire talks have stalled after three days of intensive negotiations failed to produce a viable outcome. The sources blamed Israel for lacking genuine intent to reach an agreement.
The sources, who spoke to Reuters on the condition of anonymity, noted that the behavior of the Israeli negotiators reveals “internal disagreements.”
They added, “The communication policy between Israeli leaders and their negotiating team shows a lack of internal agreement. This was evident from the approvals given by the Israeli delegation, followed by amendments, and then the introduction of new conditions that could undermine the negotiations entirely.”
The sources further stated, “The message understood by the mediators from the ‘conflicting and delayed responses and the introduction of new terms contrary to what was agreed upon’ is that the Israeli side considers these negotiations as merely formalities aimed at influencing public opinion.”
The sources concluded, “The Egyptian side has expressed its frustration with these delays and new conditions. Negotiations have now halted until the Israeli side proves its seriousness in the negotiations.”
