Egypt dispatched a high-level delegation to Israel on Friday in a bid to negotiate a cease-fire agreement with Hamas in Gaza, officials confirmed.
Leading the delegation is Egypt’s top intelligence official, Abbas Kamel, who aims to chart a new path for a prolonged cease-fire, according to an Egyptian official familiar with the matter.
The talks come amid mounting international pressure for both Hamas and Israel to reach a truce as casualties rise in the conflict. The delegation plans to initially address the exchange of hostages held by Hamas and the return of displaced Palestinians to northern Gaza, with discussions poised to broaden toward a comprehensive agreement to halt the war.
Mediators are striving for a compromise that addresses key demands from both sides. Hamas insists on a permanent cease-fire and full Israeli troop withdrawal, while Israel remains committed to military operations until Hamas is defeated, with a continued security presence in Gaza post-conflict.
Ahead of the negotiations, senior Hamas official Basem Naim conveyed that there were no new developments from their end, as reported by The Associated Press.
