Talks are underway between Egypt and Israel regarding the reopening of the Rafah crossing, according to a Wall Street Journal report. The move is part of a new proposal for a broader ceasefire in Gaza, which could be implemented in the coming days. According to the sources cited by the newspaper, Cairo and Hamas have softened their position regarding an Israeli withdrawal from the area as a precondition for a new agreement. The proposal calls for a 60-day ceasefire in Gaza, with the release of hostages beginning a week after the truce takes effect.
A Hamas delegation is expected to visit Egypt to discuss this new proposal. A Hamas official confirmed the departure of the delegation, without however specifying the agenda of the discussions with the Egyptians.
According to the plan to reopen the Rafah crossing, the Palestinian Authority would take control of it from the Palestinian side, Hamas having given up its request to manage it. Initially, 200 trucks of humanitarian aid from Egypt would be allowed to enter the Gaza Strip.
This diplomatic initiative builds on the momentum created by the recent ceasefire in Lebanon. Since then, Egypt and Hamas have indicated that they will no longer insist on a complete withdrawal of Israeli forces from the Rafah area, a point that previously posed a major obstacle to negotiations.
Prime Minister Netanyahu's office declined to comment on the reports, as did the US State Department. The Palestinian Authority told the Wall Street Journal that “at this time, nothing is finalized.” This new Egyptian proposal comes two months after Hamas rejected a previous offer which provided for a two-week truce. CopyRetry
