An Egyptian delegation is in Israel in an effort to advance stalled negotiations aimed at releasing hostages and implementing a ceasefire in Gaza.
The delegation is also set to continue discussions with Israeli officials on security coordination around a potential Israeli operation in Rafah, another Israeli official said. Egypt is concerned about the implications of a full-scale Israeli operation in Rafah, close to its border, where around a million displaced Palestinians have taken shelter in recent months.
Despite months of talks mediated by Qatar and Egypt, Hamas and Israel have failed to reach an agreement over differences on key demands.
A senior US administration official said on Thursday that there are “some indications of an avenue” to broker a deal.
The latest framework presented over several rounds of talks in Qatar and Egypt includes a six-week ceasefire and the release of some hostages held by Hamas in exchange for hundreds of Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails.
One key demand by Hamas is the “unrestricted” return of displaced Palestinians from the south of Gaza to the north.
The US official confirmed that the draft agreement included that element, but “there are provisions” for ensuring the safety of those returning.
“That means shelter, that means assistance. That means a UN mission to make sure things are ready,” the official said.
Demand for complete Israeli withdrawal
In an interview with Al Jazeera, senior Hamas official Khalil Al-Hayya reiterated other key demands – previously rejected by Israel – as key conditions for any agreement.
He said that Hamas “cannot strike a deal” without a guarantee that there will be a permanent ceasefire and a complete withdrawal of Israeli troops from Gaza.
“Despite the catastrophe (in Gaza)… it is not possible for us to release (the hostages) for a poor exchange, which could then lead to a restart of an (Israeli) assault or war on our people,” he said.
Israel has maintained that its operation in Gaza will continue until Hamas is eliminated.
As talks drag on, the death toll in Gaza continues to rise, and hostage families in Israel grow desperate to bring their loved ones home. Qatar, a key mediator, this week questioned the seriousness of Israel and Hamas to reach a deal.
