According to the reports on Thursday (1 May), Israel has made the disarmament of Hamas a precondition for agreeing to Egypt’s six-month Gaza truce proposal, according to well-informed Egyptian sources. This condition was communicated during a Monday meeting in Cairo between Israeli officials, led by Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer, and Egyptian mediators. The Egyptian plan includes a temporary cessation of hostilities, the release of about half of the Israeli hostages, the reopening of the Rafah border crossing, and increased humanitarian aid access to Gaza.
The Egyptian side plans to meet with Hamas next week to present Israel’s response and continue mediation efforts. Despite ongoing discussions, Israeli officials have downplayed reports of any significant progress, labeling them as inaccurate. An Israeli diplomatic source stated that while work continues with international partners to reach a hostage deal, no agreement has been finalized.
Ahead of his Cairo visit, Dermer reiterated Israel’s goals of dismantling Hamas’ military capabilities, ending its governance in Gaza, and preventing future threats from the enclave. Meanwhile, a Hamas delegation led by senior leader Khalil al-Hayya had previously offered to release all Israeli hostages in exchange for a five-year truce, a proposal reportedly rejected by Israel.
Israel has restricted aid into Gaza since March 2, after the initial phase of a truce expired and Hamas declined an extension. Fighting resumed on March 18, with Israeli airstrikes targeting Gaza. Indirect negotiations involving Egypt, Qatar, and the United States have continued for weeks in hopes of ending the war, which began in October 2023.
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