Egypt blames Israel for hostage negotiations failure as Hamas fears IDF's expanded Gaza offensive
This weekend, Egyptian sources briefed that Israel is the obstacle to reaching a ceasefire agreement and the release of hostages – according to a report aired this evening (Saturday) on Shabbat News on Kan 11.
A senior Egyptian official told the Lebanese newspaper Al-Akhbar, which is affiliated with Hezbollah, that “there are no more concessions that Hamas can be forced to make. The crisis lies in the lack of Israeli-American will to end the war.”
Yesterday, Egyptian officials told the Saudi channel Al Arabiya that current efforts to achieve a ceasefire have failed “due to Israel’s conduct.”
These briefings represent an attempt by Cairo, which is now leading the negotiations, to exert pressure on Israel. In recent days, an Israeli delegation led by Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer met with Egypt’s intelligence chief in Cairo. The meeting did not yield a breakthrough.
Despite the Egyptian briefings, negotiations between the sides continue.
The report also stated that against the backdrop of stalled talks and Israel’s intention to expand its ground operations in Gaza, Hamas is concerned about its inability to bring Israel in line with a comprehensive deal to end the war and release all the hostages.
At the same time, the organization sees that Israel is nearing a significant expansion of the maneuver, and therefore, this evening released a video of hostage Maxim Herkin.
Roi Kais is an Arab Affairs correspondent for Kan 11.
You might also like to read this:
