Israeli delegation didn’t respond to Hamas demands in Egypt: Source
Hamas negotiators left Cairo to consult the group’s leaders but no progress was made in talks on Sunday, a senior Hamas source tells Al Jazeera. The Israeli delegation failed to respond to any Hamas demands, the source said.
Hamas has called for a permanent ceasefire in Gaza, for Palestinians to be able to return to their homes in the north of Gaza, and for Israeli troops to completely withdraw. A prisoner-captive exchange and the delivery of food aid are also on the table.
Earlier, Egypt’s Al-Qahera News, quoting an unnamed “senior Egyptian official”, reported negotiators left Cairo after making “significant progress” on basic points, with delegations expected to return in two days to agree on terms of a final agreement.
Senior Israeli officials participated in the talks in Cairo on Sunday, Haaretz reported, as well as CIA Director William Burns and Qatar’s Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani.
‘No progress in negotiations’ between Hamas and Israel: Report
Conflicting reports continue to emerge on what happened during negotiations in Egypt between Israeli officials and a Hamas delegation. An unnamed Palestinian official told the Lebanese Al Mayadeen news network “all attempts and efforts by mediators to reach an agreement have encountered Israeli inflexibility”.
“At present, there is no progress in negotiations. If there is any, we will announce it through official channels. Hamas adheres to its demands, which include a ceasefire, Israeli withdrawal from the Gaza Strip, the entry of aid, the return of displaced Gazans, and a prisoner exchange.”
Ceasefire not imminent with Rafah operation on the horizon: Israeli official
Aidit Silman, a minister close to Netanyahu, tells Israeli media that achieving a ceasefire with Hamas is still a long way away. The senior political leader says Israel’s military operation in Rafah will take place in a matter of time, and Israel must see through its military objectives.
Israel says it pulled its forces out of southern Khan Younis on Sunday, except for one battalion, after months of fierce fighting. Defence Minister Yoav Gallant said troops left the city “to prepare for future missions, including … in Rafah” – where 1.5 million displaced Palestinians are sheltering from the relentless attacks on Gaza.
Ben-Gvir threatens to withdraw support unless Israel attacks Rafah
Israel’s National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir warned Netanyahu if he decides to end the war on Gaza without “an extensive attack on Rafah” to defeat the Palestinian group Hamas “he will not have a mandate to continue serving as prime minister”.
The far-right minister is a key member of the Netanyahu-led coalition government. Without the support of Ben-Gvir’s party, the prime minister would lose the majority in the Knesset.
And when that happens Netanyahu knows he'll be facing prosecution for his earlier crimes and for the handling of Oct 7.
‘We are far from stopping’, says Israeli army chief
Israeli broadcaster Channel 13 TV reports Israel is preparing to evacuate Rafah within one week and the process could take several months with about 1.5 million displaced Palestinians sheltering there from incessant attacks.
Military officials, speaking on condition of anonymity, say a “significant force” remains in Gaza to continue targeted operations, including in southern Khan Younis, the hometown of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar.
More fucking drones. And more proof Israel uses Gaza as a weapons test laboratory
Israeli army promotes new drone squadron in fight against Hamas
Israel’s military is showcasing a new drone squadron it says has helped significantly in the battle against Hamas in Gaza. The Star is the second largest unmanned aircraft in Israel’s air force after the Eitan.
“This is a time of war, a historic hour,” said Major-General Tomer Bar. “We are opening the 147th Squadron, which is a tremendous addition to the force … The entire UAV system demonstrates operational capability and operational effectiveness at the highest level.”
Bar said “thousands of Hamas operatives” have been killed by the unmanned aerial vehicles along with intelligence operations being carried out over the past six months.
