Tel Aviv: Amidst escalating tensions in the Israel-Hamas conflict, reports reveal Israel’s stern warning to Egypt, signaling that time is running out for a truce agreement before Israel initiates a planned ground assault in Rafah.
Israeli authorities conveyed this ultimatum following talks between top Israeli officials and a high-level Egyptian delegation tasked with discussing a hostage deal with Hamas, as reported by Israeli news site Ynet.
An unnamed Israeli official described the discussions as “very good, focused, held in good spirits, and progressed in all parameters.” Egypt appeared willing to pressure Hamas toward a deal, while Israel expressed its readiness to advance in Rafah if necessary, stating, “This is the last chance before we go into Rafah.”
What are Israel’s terms? The official confirmed Israel’s willingness to accept the release of fewer than the originally proposed 40 hostages by Hamas. However, Israel rejects releasing only 20 hostages, a number reportedly suggested by Hamas in recent meetings. Israel believes Hamas holds 33 hostages meeting humanitarian criteria, including women, children, individuals over 50, and the sick, insisting on their release.
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“The number of days of the ceasefire will be linked to the number of hostages who will be released. If Hamas does want a humanitarian deal, Israel will not be the obstacle,” an Israeli official told Axios before the talks with Egypt. Israel also expressed willingness to make additional concessions, such as permitting the return of residents to northern Gaza.
The ball is now in Hamas’ court. While Hamas received a counterproposal from Israel, it stated it would carefully consider the offer before responding.
“Hamas has received today the official response of the Zionist occupation to the proposal presented to the Egyptian and Qatari mediators on April 13,” said Khalil Al-Hayya, the group’s deputy chief, in a statement. The group emphasized its openness to ideas or proposals considering the needs and rights of the Palestinian people but reiterated its demand for an end to Israeli aggression in Gaza.
