Watan-Hebrew media reported that Egypt has presented a new offer for a deal between the Israeli occupation and the Palestinian resistance movement Hamas in three stages, amid the pressures faced by the Israeli entity following the resounding defeat suffered by its army since the beginning of the “Operation Al-Aqsa Flood,” with its losses continuing up to now.
In this context, the Israeli newspaper “Yedioth Ahronoth” reported that Egypt is intensifying its efforts to mediate between Israel and Hamas, focusing on a three-stage plan that includes the release of prisoners.
According to the report, the first stage of the initiative will involve a ceasefire for two or three weeks in exchange for the release of 40 hostages. In the second stage, talks will be held with the Palestinians to form a technocratic government.
The third stage and a significant dilemma
As for the third stage, which sources say poses a significant dilemma for Israel, it involves the release of Israeli soldiers and personnel by the resistance in exchange for the release of Palestinian fighters. This stage also includes the withdrawal of the occupying army from the Gaza Strip and reaching a comprehensive ceasefire.
This comes as the official broadcasting authority (KAN) reported on Sunday that U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken had a telephone conversation with Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant. They discussed the possibility of advancing a deal for the exchange of prisoners and detainees.
Formation of a Technocratic Government
Informed sources revealed days ago that Egypt had previously proposed an initiative to the Palestinians to form a technocratic government responsible for managing the West Bank and Gaza and working towards the recovery of the Gaza Strip. According to these sources, Hamas accepted the proposal.
The sources indicated that it is expected that “Egypt will initiate a national Palestinian dialogue after the formation of the government and not before it.”
They explained that “Cairo realizes that launching a Palestinian-Palestinian dialogue now may face obstacles and disagreements regarding programs, shares, and other issues, which could delay the process of reconstruction, relief, and housing in the sector.”
The sources added that “Egypt understands that internal Palestinian dialogue will now face obstacles and disagreements, which will delay aid to the sector.”
Alternative to Mahmoud Abbas
A source familiar with the details of the Egyptian mediation stated that “Egypt’s vision for the future governance in the regions is based on the desire to involve all Palestinian factions and find an alternative to Mahmoud Abbas as the head of the authority.”
In addition, the same sources claimed that the Islamic Jihad Movement would also join the discussions on the deal.
The Israeli war on the Gaza Strip entered its 79th day on Sunday, during which Israel targeted cities and provinces in the north and south of the Gaza Strip through air, land, and sea attacks, amid intense clashes on all fighting fronts with Hamas fighters.