Middle Eastern Conflict - Egypt denies reports regarding Rafah border.
Egypt has dismissed claims of an agreement to reopen the Rafah border crossing with the Gaza Strip, as per a report from state-linked Egyptian media outlet Al-Kahira News. The report cited an unnamed senior official who asserted that reports of such an agreement between Egypt and Israel are untrue. Egypt, the source clarified, demands a complete Israeli withdrawal from the crossing as a prerequisite for its reopening.
Israel's Kan channel broadcasted on Thursday that Israel and Egypt had reached a deal to reopen the border crossing for the transit of humanitarian aid. This development came under pressure from the United States, allegedly. The border crossing to Egypt's south in the coastal region had been closed by the Israeli military about three weeks ago following the Palestinian side's control.
As per the Israeli Kan channel, Israel consented to meet Egypt's condition of removing its troops from the crossing while allowing Palestinians who have no affiliations to Hamas or other extremist groups to manage control. The United States, Israel, and Egypt are set to engage in discussions regarding border security in the coming days in Cairo, according to information from US news source Axios. The American delegation, headed by the Director of the Middle East at the White House's National Security Council, Terry Wolff, is also supposed to explore how to prevent the smuggling of weapons for Hamas via tunnels under the border.
In response to this, Israel's army claimed to have taken over the whole section of the border with Egypt, spanning approximately 14 kilometers. There are roughly 20 tunnels situated within this area leading towards Egypt. The Hamas used the Philadelphi Corridor, or so-called "the strip," for weapon smuggling, as per an army spokesperson.
A subterranean wall is being considered as a measure to hinder future endeavors by Hamas to dig tunnels across the border, much like the barrier Israel has constructed on its border with the Gaza Strip. This innovation has aided Israel in preempting almost all attempts by Hamas to dig tunnels crossing the boundary in the past.
Focus of Talks in Cairo
The primary topic of the looming talks in Cairo is expected to be the reopening of the Rafah border crossing, as cited by US officials to Axios. Based on the Israeli Kan channel, Israel has agreed to abide by Egypt's condition of withdrawing its troops from the crossing.
Axios also reported that Israel proposed to Egypt regarding an allowance for Palestinians without connections to Hamas or other extremist groups to oversee the crossing. Israeli troops would then retire and provide security against Hamas assaults from the outside. The suspension of humanitarian aid shipments from Egypt ensued due to protests against Israel's takeover of the Palestinian side of the crossing.
In a conversation with US President Joe Biden, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi agreed to reopen the Kerem Shalom crossing for humanitarian aid. Biden assured him that the US would support the quickest possible reopening of the Rafah crossing if the resumption of humanitarian aid to Gaza was confirmed. Both leaders plans to engage the Israelis in Cairo to discuss this issue.
The United States and Egypt are currently serving as mediators between Israel and Hamas in indirect negotiations over a ceasefire and the release of hostages during the Gaza war.
Hamas: Hostage Agreement is Conditional on War's Conclusion
Hamas communicated to the mediators its refusal to engage in negotiations for a hostage agreement unless Israel ceases the fighting, as per its own statements. Hamas expressed its readiness for a "comprehensive agreement" involving the release of the abducted Israelis in exchange for Palestinians incarcerated in Israeli prisons. It remains uncertain whether a comprehensive agreement involves releasing all hostages at once or gradually, as per the original plan.
Israeli National Security Advisor Tzachi Hanegbi told relatives of the hostages, according to Israeli media, that the current government is not prepared to conclude the war. The past failed indirect discussions on a settlement had been thwarted by Hamas's demand for a complete cessation of the war as a precondition for a partial release of the hostages.
Israeli Army: Jabalia Operation Completed
The Israeli military announced the completion of its operation in Jabalia, a city located in northern Gaza Strip, according to its own statements. The operation in the city's eastern region is officially concluded, the army declared. Significant clashes and aerial assaults led to the deaths of numerous terrorists, as confirmed by the army. Civilians were also reportedly affected by the Israeli attacks in Jabalia.
The Israeli army found the remains of seven Israelis in this operation who were abducted by Hamas on October 7th. It further destroyed more than 10 kilometers of tunnel network and unearthed numerous weapons and several weapon-manufacturing facilities. However, these claims could not be authenticated independently.
Jabalia was witness to intense clashes during this time frame. Acknowledgment from neighbors implies the army's departure from the city. Many have since re-entered their property to inspect the damage.
The military had previously taken control of Jabalia but eventually retreated from the city. Recently, Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi expressed concerns about the absence of a post-war political plan, leading the army to return to locations in Gaza, including Jabalia, they had previously withdrawn from.
Palestinians: One Fatality and Four Injured in the West Bank
A Palestinian male was reportedly killed by Israeli soldiers during military operations in the West Bank, as per Palestinian sources. He died in Ramallah due to a chest gunshot wound, as confirmed by the local Health Ministry. Four other Palestinians were also injured in the ensuing clashes - one of them seriously. It was not possible to independently verify these reports.
Israeli forces acknowledged investigating these reports. There were also accounts of multiple injuries in the Jenin refugee camp, which included Palestinian fire at the Israeli soldiers with stones, explosives, and gunfire, prompting a response with gunfire from the security forces.
The situation in the West Bank has become increasingly volatile since the onset of the Gaza War against Hamas and other extremists on October 7, 2021, resulting in over 1200 Israeli deaths. Since then, at least 498 Palestinians have lost their lives, per the local Health Ministry, due to military operations, clashes, or self-inflicted injuries. There have also been sporadic incidents of Israeli settler violence against Palestinians.
