Gaza ceasefire negotiations halted amid Israeli obstinacy

Negotiations for a ceasefire in Gaza have been halted until the Israeli occupation showcases seriousness to reach an agreement, two Egyptian sources told Reuters. 

In the same context, two security Egyptian sources affirmed to the Egyptian Al-Ikhbariya news outlet that “ceasefire negotiations stopped after three-day talks that failed to reach a result.”

An informed source noted that Egypt has been urging the occupation to “not obstruct ongoing negotiations for a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip or propose new demands that contradict what was agreed upon,” according to Al-Ikhbariya. 

“Israel” is trying to contain public opinion, according to the source, by “wasting time during formal meetings to distance Israeli public opinion from reaching a deal, to avoid the collapse of the government coalition.”

A senior source had previously confirmed that Egypt reiterates the “complete Israeli withdrawal from the Rafah crossing from its Palestinian side, and not placing any restrictions on the movement of Palestinians to and from the Strip.”

The source pointed out, in statements to Al-Ikhbariya, that Egypt “stresses the necessity of opening all land crossings with the Gaza Strip immediately”, emphasizing that it “affirms its position regarding the necessity of Israel allowing freedom of movement of humanitarian, relief and medical aid to the Strip.”

In contrast, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed in a press conference on Saturday evening his insistence on the continuous Israeli control of the Philadelphia axis and the Rafah crossing between Gaza and Egypt.

Families of captives blast Netanyahu over plans to thwart negotiations

Haaretz reported on Saturday that families of Israeli captives were marching toward occupied al-Quds alongside thousands to protest Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s plans to thwart a potential ceasefire and exchange deal.

The march, which began in Tel Aviv, has entered its fourth day, with protesters aiming to reach occupied al-Quds by evening and hold a rally outside Netanyahu’s office, the newspaper reported.

Haaretz quoted Einav Zangauker, the mother of a captive, accusing Netanyahu of sabotaging the deal by introducing new demands and amendments.

Zangauker urged that “all personal and political considerations would be set aside and that the hostages would return home” and called for all Israelis to support the march.

Since the start of the war, the Israeli side has been obstinate in reaching an agreement.

Many of the captives who have died in the past nine months were killed as a result of “Israel’s” indiscriminate bombardment of Gaza. The Israeli blockade of the Strip has further exacerbated this issue.