"The reports are inaccurate": Two Egyptian officials told Reuters Monday that the talks taking place in Cairo striving for a ceasefire in Gaza had made "significant progress." Now, an Israeli official pushed back against these claims, emphasizing that while efforts are ongoing, no deal has been finalized.
The political source clarified the situation regarding the ongoing negotiations: "The reports in the foreign press are inaccurate. Israel is continuously and tirelessly working with the Americans and the mediators to advance a deal for the release of our hostages, but no agreement has been reached so far."
As reported last week by Israel Hayom, negotiations have been taking place under fire, with Egypt acting as a key mediator. In recent weeks, Egyptian officials have conveyed a firm message to Hamas: the terrorist organization must disarm completely, "down to the last Kalashnikov bullet," in exchange for a five-year ceasefire and guarantees of immunity for senior Hamas figures.
"The key to peace is victory"
The Egyptian state-run news channel Al Qahera reported that Egyptian Intelligence Chief Gen. Hassan Mahmoud Rashad was scheduled to meet Monday in Cairo with an Israeli delegation led by Minister for Strategic Affairs Ron Dermer.
During his main address at a JNS conference, Dermer stated that within the next 12 months, "the war on the seven fronts will end and Israel will win. There are many countries that want to make peace, but the key to achieving it is victory."
As first revealed by Israel Hayom, Dermer's remarks align with statements made by a senior defense official, who said that in closed-door discussions, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has been setting a target date to end the war in Gaza by October of this year. The official stressed that this was a "maximum target date", and that the operation could conclude earlier if conditions on the ground allow. According to the official, the guiding rationale is that the war should not stretch beyond two years.
