Israeli delegation heads to Cairo as hostage talks intensify; US pushes for Gaza ceasefire

An Israeli delegation arrived in Cairo Thursday (Aug 22)to participate in discussions about a potential ceasefire deal amid the ongoing war in Gaza. Meanwhile,Israel's security cabinet is set to meet in Tel Aviv.

Why is the Philadelphi Corridor important?

The delegation'svisit to Cairo takes place as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu firmly insists that the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) retain control over the Philadelphi Corridor. Netanyahu has made it clear that he will not accept any hostage deal that requires Israel to withdraw from this area.

A report byi24NEWS citing an Israelipolitical sourcesaid, “Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has not changed his position on the need for Israeli control and presence in the Philadelphia Corridor.”

The corridor is seen as a crucial buffer zone between Egypt and Gaza. Therefore, anyplan for the Israeli forcesto remain there would require Egypt’s approval.

Key mediators in the negotiations

Egypt and Qatar have been the main mediators, along with the United States, in efforts to secure the release of the remaining 109 hostages. Al-Thani, the ruling family ofQatar has played a critical role in these negotiations, including the recent discussions in Doha.

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LateWednesday, US President Joe Biden spoke with Netanyahu about the urgency of finalising a hostage and ceasefire agreement.

The United States hopes that a Gaza ceasefire, combined with a hostage release, will prevent Iran and Tehran-backed Lebanon-based militant groupHezbollah from launching retaliatory attacks on Israel, which could escalate into a broader regional conflict.

US envoy to the UN, Linda Thomas-Greenfield's message

“A Gaza ceasefire and hostage release deal now is in sight,” the US envoy to the United Nations,Linda Thomas-Greenfield,told theSecurity Council, urging members to press Hamas to accept a bridging proposal that Israel has already agreed to.

She said, “Israel has accepted the bridging proposal. Now Hamas must do the same.”

She added, “As members of this council, we must speak with one voice and use our leverage to press Hamas to accept the bridging proposal.”

“It’s a decisive moment for ceasefire talks and for the region, and so every member of this council should continue to send strong messages to other actors in the region to avoid actions that would move us away from finalising this deal,” Thomas-Greenfield continued.

(With inputs from agencies)

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