Israel has not yet made a decision to dispatch a delegation to Cairo for further discussions regarding a potential hostage release agreement with Hamas, The Times of Israel reported on Wednesday, citing an Israeli official. According to the source, the country is being “cautious” and is awaiting evidence that Hamas has “softened its position” before sending negotiators. Earlier today, the Ynet news site cited a Saudi newspaper and reported that an Israeli delegation could potentially be in Cairo as early as today, due to the group’s allegedly more flexible position regarding the terms of the ceasefire agreement.
Israeli delegation reportedly to arrive in Cairo today
An Israeli delegation is scheduled to travel to Cairo today to continue talks about a potential exchange of hostages and a ceasefire agreement with Hamas representatives, the Ynet news site reported on Wednesday, citing the Saudi newspaper Al-Sharq. “There is progress in Egypt’s discussions with Hamas regarding the deal. Hamas has softened its positions and Egypt is working to achieve similar flexibility with the Israeli delegation as well,” the newspaper wrote. The report comes after Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh arrived in Cairo yesterday, following stalled negotiations for a temporary ceasefire and hostage deal that are being mediated by American, Qatari, and Egyptian officials.