Pessimism Prevails Ahead of Cairo Talks: Netanyahu Insists on Derailing the Deal

Israeli Broadcasting Authority reports that officials are not optimistic about making progress in the upcoming talks regarding the Gaza war ceasefire and prisoner exchange, scheduled to take place in Cairo on Sunday.

These officials have expressed doubts about the possibility of reaching an agreement during the upcoming negotiations, citing Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s unwavering stance on not conceding control over the Philadelphi Route, the border strip separating Gaza from Egypt.

The officials highlighted that the proposal presented by Tel Aviv to the mediators does not inspire confidence in the likelihood of reaching a deal.

They also noted that the members of the Israeli negotiating team feel they have limited authority, which does not empower them to finalize an agreement.

The Israeli delegation, led by Mossad Chief David Barnea and Shin Bet Chief Ronen Bar, is expected to head to Cairo on Sunday to participate in the potential deal talks, according to the Hebrew Broadcasting Authority.

Meanwhile, a Hamas delegation led by senior official Khalil al-Hayya has arrived in Cairo at the invitation of mediators from Egypt and Qatar, aiming to hear the results of the negotiations that took place in Cairo.

Netanyahu remains adamant about continuing the war on Gaza and maintaining military control over the Philadelphi Route, the Netzarim Junction, and the Rafah Crossing.

Earlier, an informed Egyptian official, privy to the ceasefire negotiations and prisoner exchange talks, revealed details about recent discussions between Tel Aviv and Cairo regarding the border corridor between Gaza and Egypt, also known as the Philadelphi Route.

CNN reported that this Egyptian official stated, “Egypt wants Israel to fully withdraw its forces from the Philadelphi Route between Egypt and Gaza,” adding that there are “significant disagreements” before an agreement can be reached.

The official emphasized that reducing Israel’s presence in the corridor is not a solution. “Egypt wants Israel to withdraw its forces entirely from the area,” he said, noting that “Egypt will brief Hamas on the developments in the talks when the movement’s delegation arrives in Cairo.”

According to an Israeli source, Tel Aviv presented an amended plan last Thursday, which includes a map outlining the deployment of Israeli forces, reducing the number of troops and military positions along the strategic corridor adjacent to Egypt.

Earlier, Egyptian negotiators rejected a previous Israeli map concerning the corridor, refusing to convey it to Hamas, describing it as “unfeasible.”