Egyptian officials reported on Monday that there are encouraging signals from the US administration indicating that President Donald Trump is keen on finalizing an agreement that would result in the release of all Israeli hostages and prevent a resumption of the conflict in Gaza, despite his previous public statements.
The Al-Araby Al-Jadeed newspaper, citing Egyptian sources, added that Israel’s defense sector is actively working to extend the hostage deal, and the US administration is aware of the differing views between Israel’s political and military leadership regarding this issue.
An Egyptian official told the newspaper that there is a sense of urgency in launching negotiations for the second phase of the ceasefire agreement before the first phase concludes. This source predicted that an extension of at least two weeks for the first phase will likely be agreed upon, allowing time for the details of the second phase to be worked out.
The official further noted that Hamas is willing to accept a deal for the second phase that could be implemented all at once, with the backing of the United States.
The same Egyptian source explained that US envoy Steve Witkoff’s visit to the region this Wednesday is partly aimed at developing a resolution to Israel’s demand that Hamas not remain in control of Gaza. This effort is designed to motivate Prime Minister Binyomin Netanyahu to proceed with the ceasefire agreement and ensure the safe return of all hostages, whether alive or deceased.
{Matzav.com}