An Israeli delegation is set to travel to Cairo on Sunday to participate in discussions regarding a ceasefire and potential hostage deal, as confirmed by an Israeli official. This move comes in the wake of Hamas announcing that its delegation, led by senior Hamas official Khalil Al Hayya, will also be heading to Cairo on the same day to reinforce their previous demands.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed the situation, stating that Hamas' demands were extreme and aimed at ending the conflict while allowing the group to remain intact. Netanyahu emphasized during a cabinet meeting on Sunday that any ceasefire agreement must include the return of hostages, firmly stating that Israel is prepared to negotiate but not to capitulate.
Netanyahu expressed his belief that Hamas was banking on both domestic and international pressure to compel the Israeli government to meet their demands. He asserted that Israel was resolute in its stance, refusing to surrender and highlighting that victory in the Gaza Strip was within reach, noting that 19 out of 24 of Hamas' battalions had already been neutralized.
