Israel at War

The Israeli response follows earlier reports about a Hamas compromise regarding the number of living hostages to be released in the Egyptian proposal.

The Lebanese newspaper Al-Akhbar quoted Egyptian officials expressing optimism about the prospects of reaching a deal. The report also said Turkey is actively involved in the negotiations. Meanwhile, former US President Donald Trump is pushing a broader regional agreement that could ultimately lead to normalization between Israel and Saudi Arabia.

"We hope it will be accepted so we can enter a stage of calm, after which a number of hostages and prisoners can be released," the Egyptian minister told Al-Ghad.

The president hosted former hostages Yair Horn, Aviva Siegel, and her husband Keith Siegel, all of whom shared painful testimonies about their time in captivity.

The terror organization's political bureau member stated that communication with mediators continues but insisted no new ceasefire proposal exists.

A senior official on the Israeli negotiating team confirmed in a conversation with Israel Hayom that talks are taking place under total secrecy. Security sources say the new proposal has been received, but it still falls short of Israel's conditions.

A Western source told the Saudi Al Arabiya network that the smuggling operations are being carried out by Units 190 and 700 of Iran’s Quds Force. According to the report, two Quds Force commanders are overseeing the weapons smuggling.

Qatari newspaper reports senior Hamas delegation expected to arrive in Egypt for crucial talks on the ceasefire agreement.

Bashar Masri is accused of facilitating the Hamas attack by developing businesses in Gaza that concealed and powered the organization's extensive tunnel network.