Palestinian sources, who requested anonymity to Anadolu Agency, revealed that “the Israeli occupation’s positions and responses to mediators are negative and pose many obstacles.” The sources mentioned that “there is disappointment among Egyptian and Qatari mediators due to Netanyahu’s positions and attempts to hinder efforts to reach an agreement.”

Netanyahu’s 4 refusals hinder reaching an agreement

Netanyahu’s delegation is held accountable for four refusals in any negotiations: no cessation of aggression on Gaza, no withdrawal from the sector, no return of displaced persons to the north, and no genuine prisoner exchange deal.

Palestinian sources emphasized that “the visit of Hamas Political Bureau Chief Ismail Haniyeh and the current Hamas delegation to Egypt comes amidst Netanyahu’s evasion and avoidance of agreement requirements.”

Haniyeh’s visit coincides with ongoing negotiations mediated by Egypt and Qatar between Hamas and Israel to reach a prisoner exchange deal and ceasefire in the sector.

This happens amidst international and regional concerns about the dangers of Tel Aviv expanding its military operations in Rafah, near the Egyptian border, which is densely populated with Palestinian refugees.

Last Saturday, Haniyeh stated, “The resistance will not accept anything less than a complete cessation of aggression, the withdrawal of the occupation army from the sector, lifting the oppressive blockade, providing safe and suitable shelter for the displaced due to the occupation’s crimes, especially the return of the displaced to the north of the sector, stopping the barbaric policy of starvation, and committing to reconstruction.”

These are all humanitarian requirements and points of consensus in the United Nations, human rights institutions, and the International Court of Justice, and the occupation must adhere to them.

Senior Biden advisor visits Egypt and Israel to discuss the exchange deal and the Rafah attack

The American website “Axios” reported that White House Middle East Coordinator Brett McGurk is expected to visit Israel and Egypt this week to discuss the potential Israeli operation in Rafah, south of the Gaza Strip.

The site quoted American and Israeli officials as expecting McGurk to meet with Egyptian Intelligence Chief Abbas Kamel and other Egyptian officials tomorrow, Wednesday, then with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, and other Israeli officials next Thursday.

The site added that McGurk will also discuss efforts to ensure the release of hostages.

Axios mentioned that the Israeli army has prepared the plan for the ground military operation in Rafah, which is expected to be presented to the Security Cabinet this week.

However, the site noted that Israeli and American officials have acknowledged that the start of the Rafah operation will not be before several weeks and may be after Ramadan, around mid-April.