An Israeli delegation arrived in Egypt, to continue ceasefire negotiations in Gaza, and conclude a prisoner exchange deal between Hamas and the Israeli occupation, according to what the Associated Press quoted three officials at the Egyptian airport on Wednesday. Airport officials told the news agency that the Israeli delegation includes six officials without revealing their identities. The officials spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss access with the media, according to the agency.

Israeli sources familiar with the Gaza negotiations: The ball is in Israel’s court

In this context, the Israeli Broadcasting Authority said on Wednesday that the head of the Israeli intelligence agency Mossad, David Barnea, a member of the negotiating team, is not expected to go this week to Doha to continue talks to conclude a deal. The authority quoted an Israeli political source as saying that there is still a chance for an expert-level delegation to emerge, or another possibility for the head of the Mossad to meet with mediators in the United States, but the chances of that are slim, according to him.

Sources familiar with the Gaza negotiations told the Hebrew Authority that contacts are still ongoing, including daily conversations held by the head of the Mossad with the Qataris and the Americans.

The American New York Times newspaper said yesterday, Tuesday, that Cairo and Tel Aviv are holding secret talks regarding the possible withdrawal of Israeli occupation soldiers from the Philadelphia axis on the border strip between the Gaza Strip and the Egyptian Sinai Peninsula, considering that the withdrawal would remove one of the most important obstacles facing... Concluding a ceasefire agreement in Gaza between the Israeli occupation and Hamas.

The Hebrew Broadcasting Corporation quoted sources on Wednesday as saying that the ball is currently in Israel's court, as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu must decide whether he will accept the proposal of the negotiating team regarding the Philadelphia axis and the return of Gaza residents to the north. The sources said, "The continuation of the talks currently depends on Netanyahu's decision."

The Hebrew channel "Kan 11" said this week that there is a major disagreement between Netanyahu and the Israeli negotiating team regarding the Philadelphia axis. The first insists on not withdrawing from the axis, that the army forces remain there, and that the residents of Gaza are not allowed to return to the northern Gaza Strip.

According to the channel, the negotiating team explained to Netanyahu that there was progress in the negotiations, but he stressed that without resolving the issues of the Philadelphia axis and the return of the northern Shekan, Hamas would not agree to the deal.

Source: Al-Arabi Al-Jadeed