Breaking News: Hamas has suggested the formation of an independent government, consisting of non-partisan figures, to oversee both Gaza and the West Bank post-war. This proposal was revealed by Husam Badran, a member of the faction’s political office. “We have proposed that a neutral government of national competence – including the possibility of Palestinian general elections – take charge of Gaza and the West Bank after the war,” stated Badran.
Badran emphasized, “The administration of the Strip post-conflict is an internal Palestinian matter without any external interference, and we will not discuss the day after the Gaza war with any external party.”
Meanwhile, an Israeli delegation, led by Shin Bet’s head Ronen Bar and representatives of the IDF, has arrived in Cairo to resume negotiations with mediators on a possible ceasefire in Gaza and the release of hostages, as reported by the media. Yesterday, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu approved the new mission to Cairo upon the return of the Israeli delegation from Doha.
Netanyahu’s office refuted claims by some international media outlets that Israel is considering withdrawing from the Philadelphi Corridor at the Gaza-Egypt border, which the IDF recently took control of. The office reiterated that “the Prime Minister insists that Israel remain in the Philadelphi Corridor, and has instructed negotiators to do so,” after explaining this to US representatives earlier in the week and informing the government last night.
International media, citing local reports, suggest that Israel and Egypt are exploring the possibility of implementing an “electronic surveillance system” along the Gaza border to prevent arms smuggling to Hamas as part of the negotiations for a ceasefire and hostage release. This development could potentially lead to the withdrawal of Israeli troops from the Philadelphi Corridor, a contentious issue to be discussed in Cairo today alongside control of the Rafah border crossing.
‘Hamas Softens Stance in Negotiations, Weakened Militarily’
Hamas is said to have softened some of its stances in the negotiations for a Gaza ceasefire and hostage release. An Axios report suggests that this change is driven by intelligence assessments indicating Hamas’s military weakening and desire for a Gaza ceasefire.
Axios, citing Israeli and American officials involved in the negotiations, claims that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has subsequently toughened Israel’s demands for an agreement. The sources mentioned that Netanyahu “aims to capitalize on Hamas’s weakness to secure the best possible deal. However, there is a risk of overstepping and causing the negotiations to fail. The Prime Minister wants an agreement but is ready to play hardball.”
According to officials cited by Axios, “some senior Hamas commanders in Gaza have informed the political leadership in Doha that the situation in the Strip is dire and they want, they need, a ceasefire.”
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