Israel Tells Egypt It’s Giving Hostage Deal ‘Last Chance’ Before Launching Rafah Op

Discussions between Israeli authorities and a high-level Egyptian delegation dispatched to address Israel’s planned offensive in Rafah and ongoing efforts to negotiate a hostage deal with Hamas concluded on Friday. Israel issued a stark warning during the talks, emphasizing that this represented the “last chance” for a truce agreement before the commencement of its premeditated assault.

A senior Israeli official conveyed to Hebrew media that the discussions were productive, characterized by focus, positivity, and progress across all aspects. According to the official speaking to Ynet, there appeared to be a readiness from the Egyptian side to exert pressure on Hamas to reach a resolution, while Israel expressed firm intentions to proceed with its plans in Rafah.

Israel underscored its stance against any procrastination from Hamas, specifically from its Gaza leader Yahya Sinwar, regarding the hostage deal, emphasizing the deployment of reserve forces and the imminent risk of military action. “This is the last chance before we go into Rafah,” asserted the official, as reported by Channel 12 news.

The situation presents a binary scenario: either a forthcoming agreement or a military operation in Rafah. Sinwar, implicated in the October 7 incident, is believed to be sheltering within Hamas’ tunnel network in Rafah, employing hostages as human shields.

Israel has indicated flexibility in the number of hostages for release, accepting fewer than the initially proposed 40 but rejecting Hamas’ suggestion of only freeing 20. The insistence lies on the release of 33 hostages meeting humanitarian criteria, including women, children, elderly men, and the infirm.

While these negotiations address critical aspects, including the duration of a potential ceasefire linked to hostage release, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu maintains a firm stance on the destruction of Hamas as a military and governing entity before considering cessation of hostilities.

Israel has signaled willingness to make substantial concessions, including allowing the return of residents to northern Gaza and potentially withdrawing forces from key areas. However, the execution of a Rafah operation awaits coordination with the US administration, prolonging the process amid mounting concerns for the hostages’ safety.

Defense sources stress the urgency of prioritizing the hostage situation, even if it means a temporary pause in military operations. Nevertheless, internal political dynamics, particularly opposition from the far-right flank of the coalition, present challenges to swift resolution.

Addressing Hamas’ military presence within Rafah, Israel views securing the Gaza-Egypt border as paramount to prevent arms smuggling. Collaboration with Egypt on border surveillance signifies shared strategic objectives in curbing militant activities.

The delayed ground offensive in Rafah is also influenced by apprehensions over heightened international condemnation of Israel’s actions. Egyptian intelligence chief Abbas Kamel led the delegation, aiming to explore avenues for a sustained ceasefire and broader regional stability.

Amid mounting international pressure for a resolution, Hamas remains steadfast in its demands for a permanent ceasefire and complete Israeli troop withdrawal, positions rejected by Israel.

{Matzav.com Israel}