Egypt Proposes Ceasefire in Gaza for Hostage Exchange

Cairo [Egypt], October 28, 2024: Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi announced Sunday that Egypt has proposed a two-day ceasefire in Gaza to enable the exchange of four Israeli hostages for Palestinian prisoners, according to The Times of Israel.

The proposal includes an additional ten-day negotiation period following the release of hostages. Egyptian Intelligence officials presented the plan to Israel's national security cabinet last week through Shin Bet chief Ronen Bar, who brought it forward on behalf of Egypt, Times of Israel reported, citing Channel 12. The proposal gained support from most Israeli ministers and security officials; however, Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir expressed opposition.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu opted not to proceed with a cabinet vote, expressing concerns over the immediate ceasefire terms. Instead, he instructed Bar to return to Egypt to negotiate improved terms.

Hamas has signaled conditional acceptance of Egypt’s proposal if it aligns with its existing demands set forth on July 2 for a hostage deal, Times of Israel reported, citing Al Arabiya. Hamas is reportedly pushing for assurances that Israel will adhere to the Egyptian plan as part of a broader agreement.

According to Times of Israel, Hamas intends to present a comprehensive proposal calling for an immediate end to the conflict, withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza, and the exchange of Palestinian detainees for all Israeli hostages, as reported by Saudi channel Asharq News.

Meanwhile, Mossad chief David Barnea traveled to Doha on Sunday to discuss the potential hostage exchange with CIA Director Bill Burns and Qatari Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani. During recent talks in Egypt, Barnea offered safe passage to Hamas leaders out of Gaza if they agreed to disarm and release the remaining 101 hostages. According to The Wall Street Journal, this offer was “swiftly” rejected by Hamas, with deputy Gaza leader Khalil al-Hayya describing it as a miscalculation by Israel that could lead to prolonged conflict.

Though Egypt is not sending an official delegation to the negotiations, it remains heavily involved, recently hosting a Hamas delegation to clarify their expectations and gauge possibilities for an agreement.

Of the 251 hostages taken by Hamas on October 7, approximately 97 remain in captivity, including at least 34 confirmed fatalities. Additionally, Hamas continues to hold two Israeli civilians who entered Gaza in 2014 and 2015, along with the remains of two Israeli Defense Forces soldiers killed in 2014.