Hostage Talks in Cairo End With Egypt Remaining Positive About Progress
The latest round of cease-fire negotiations among the United States, Qatar, Egypt, and Israel with Hamas concluded on Tuesday in Cairo, with Egypt expressing a “keenness to continue consultation and coordination” on key issues, despite the absence of a breakthrough.
The Egyptian government’s broadcasting arm published a statement on the summit, affirming “continued consultation and intensive coordination to achieve cease-fire goals, protect civilians, and work toward a two-state solution that bolsters regional security and stability.”
The meeting expanded upon the Paris framework, a collaborative effort by CIA Director William Burns; Mossad chief David Barnea; Qatar’s prime minister and foreign minister, Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani; and Egyptian intelligence head Abbas Kamel.
According to the Egyptian statement, President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi met with Burns and Al-Thani to assess negotiation progress. Although Mossad chief Barnea and Shin Bet head Ronen Bar attended, the statement did not mention them.
According to information leaked by Israeli broadcaster Kan the same day, Barnea, Bar, and Maj. Gen. Nitzan Alon offered an alternative proposal to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, which he rejected.
Alon, initially expected to travel to Cairo, reportedly decided against attending.
Netanyahu has consistently stated that Hamas’ demands for a permanent cease-fire and immediate withdrawal of Israeli troops from Gaza are unacceptable.
Kan reported that Israel, initially hesitant to send representatives to Cairo because of Hamas’ unrealistic demands, relented under significant US pressure.
