Israel Denies Breakthrough in Gaza Ceasefire Talks Amid Continued Stalemate
Israeli officials reject reports of progress in Cairo negotiations, insisting no agreement reached without Hamas’ disarmament.
Watan-An Israeli political official denied today, Tuesday, the accuracy of reports claiming a breakthrough in the ceasefire negotiations for the besieged Gaza Strip. This comes after statements attributed to Egyptian sources late Monday suggested major progress had been made toward a deal.
Two Egyptian security sources told Reuters on Monday that the Cairo-hosted talks on Gaza were making significant headway. According to the sources, there is a consensus on achieving a long-term ceasefire in the blockaded strip, although some sticking points remain—particularly regarding Hamas’ weapons. They noted that the ongoing negotiations involve both Egyptian and Israeli delegations.
Israel Rejects Five-Year Ceasefire Without Hamas Disarmament, Citing Lack of Progress in Talks
Hebrew media outlets quoted the unnamed Israeli official dismissing the reports as “inaccurate,” while claiming that “Israel is working continuously and relentlessly with the Americans and mediators to advance toward a deal” for the release of Israeli hostages held in Gaza, “but so far, no agreement has been reached.” Additionally, Israel’s Channel 11 (“Kan”) cited another Israeli official stating that the core disagreement with Hamas centers on “ending the existence of its military wing.”
An Israeli delegation, headed by Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer, traveled to Cairo on Monday for talks with Egyptian intelligence chief Hassan Rashad regarding a Gaza ceasefire. This came after Egyptian meetings with senior Hamas officials. However, the Israeli right-wing government is reportedly set to reject any proposal involving a five-year ceasefire in exchange for the release of all Israeli captives held by resistance factions in Gaza.
Late Monday, Yedioth Ahronoth reported that Israel intends to reject the proposal, citing unnamed Israeli officials who said there was no real progress in the negotiations. According to these sources, Israel will not agree to any long-term ceasefire deal that does not include the disarmament of Hamas.
Earlier on Monday, a political source told a group of Israeli journalists that the Israeli government officially rejects the five-year ceasefire offer in return for the release of all captives.
Hamas’ Proposal and Israeli Hostage Families’ Frustration
According to Egyptian sources quoted by Al-Araby Al-Jadeed, the Hamas delegation that arrived in Cairo early Saturday presented an alternative proposal involving a comprehensive, single-phase deal. Under this plan, all living captives and the remains of deceased hostages would be released, the war would officially end, and a full Israeli withdrawal from Gaza would be agreed upon—subject to a short, clearly defined timetable guaranteed by the U.S., Egypt, Qatar, and Turkey, which has recently intensified its mediation efforts.
Responding to Israel’s rejection, the Israeli Hostage Families Forum issued a statement saying:”As with previous remarks, the senior political source once again proves that the Israeli government has no plan. Prime Minister Netanyahu and his representatives continue explaining what they are unwilling to do to retrieve the captives while avoiding at all costs presenting a clear plan of what they are willing to do.”
The forum added:”On this occasion, we would appreciate it if the senior political source (referring to Netanyahu) agreed to meet with the hostage families directly to review the status of negotiations, rather than through the media.”
