Israel is considering the latest efforts to secure a ceasefire and hostage deal in the Gaza war as a final opportunity before launching a planned attack on Rafah in the south of the Gaza Strip. Talks between Egyptian and Israeli representatives in Tel Aviv on Friday were reportedly productive, with the Egyptians pressing the Palestinian operative organization Hamas for an agreement. Both the Times of Israel and Egyptian state-affiliated media reported progress in the discussions.
Israel's focus is on capturing Hamas leader in the Gaza Strip, Yahya al-Sinwar, whom they accuse of masterminding the October 7 massacre in Israel. Al-Sinwar is believed to be hiding in tunnels beneath Rafah. Israel is firm on proceeding with the planned offensive if no agreement is reached, seeing it as a critical opportunity to smash the last remaining Hamas battalions in the town.
Meanwhile, Hamas has called for a permanent ceasefire in Gaza, a demand Israel rejects. Talks have centered on a limited agreement to release some hostages, particularly elderly, sick, and female captives. However, Hamas reportedly rejected a US proposal to release 40 such abductees, claiming there aren't that many hostages left who fall into these categories.
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