Egyptian intelligence to present plan for ending Gaza war to Israel

A delegation of Egyptian intelligence officials is scheduled to arrive in Israel on November 28 to present Cairo's "comprehensive vision" for resolving the ongoing war in Gaza.

Egypt is optimistic about reaching an agreement swiftly, with the backing of the United States, Caliber.Az reports citing foreign media.

The proposed plan outlines a ceasefire lasting one to two months, during which Israeli hostages would be gradually released, with priority given to the elderly and those suffering from chronic illnesses. Simultaneously, negotiations would take place to establish a more permanent settlement.

As part of the plan, Egyptian officials will request that Israel allow a period of several days after the ceasefire begins for terrorist organizations to provide a detailed list of surviving hostages and engage in discussions on an exchange mechanism.

The proposal also includes the reopening of the Rafah border crossing, with control over it potentially being transferred to the Palestinian Authority and monitored by European observers, according to Cairo's suggestions.

The truce in Lebanon could give reprieve to the 1.2 million Lebanese displaced by the fighting and the tens of thousands of Israelis who fled their homes along the border.

The US- and France-brokered deal, approved by Israel on November 26, calls for an initial two-month halt to fighting and requires Hezbollah to end its armed presence in southern Lebanon, while Israeli troops are to return to their side of the border.

Israel says it reserves the right to strike Hezbollah should it violate the terms of the deal. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office said troops arrested four Hezbollah operatives, including a local commander, who had entered what it referred to as a restricted area. It said troops have been ordered to prevent people from returning to villages near the border.

Israel is still fighting Hamas militants in Gaza in response to the group's cross-border raid into southern Israel on October 7, 2023. But President Joe Biden said his administration would make another push in the coming days for a ceasefire there and the release of dozens of hostages held by Hamas.

By Vafa Guliyeva