According to Egyptian security circles, Israel and the terrorist organization Hamas are open to a ceasefire. However, the details of a possible deal remain controversial, it is claimed.
Egypt and Qatar insist on faster aid
Egypt and Qatar will insist on speeding up aid deliveries to the Gaza Strip and opening the Kerem Shalom border crossing before talks can begin, two people in the Egyptian security establishment said. Qatar had already negotiated a week-long ceasefire, which was implemented at the time, and the release of Hamas hostages and prisoners from Israeli prisons weeks ago.
Hamas wants to unilaterally define a list of hostages
Hamas insists on unilaterally determining the list of hostages to be released and demands that Israeli forces withdraw behind predetermined lines, the sources said. Israel agreed that Hamas would define the list, but demanded a timetable and access to the list before defining the time and duration of the ceasefire. Israel also refuses to withdraw.
No comment was made by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office or Hamas. There is also still no statement from mediator Qatar.