Israeli delegation will not head to Cairo until Hamas responds to deal - report
Numerous sources have spoken about the ongoing hostage deal between Israel and Hamas, following a string of failed negotiations and interventions by Egypt and Qatar.
An Israeli official said that an Israeli delegation will not leave for Cairo until a response from Hamas is received on a possible hostage deal, KAN reported on Saturday.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was reportedly opposed to the departure of the delegation and would not accept any offer that would see the end to the Israel-Hamas war, even to achieve a hostage deal.
According to Israeli media, Netanyahu did not share his decision to not send the Israeli delegation to Cairo with war cabinet members Benny Gantz and Gadi Eisenkot, while ministers Yoav Gallant and Ron Dermer were privy to the decision.
Additionally, senior Israeli sources were reported to have said, "If we send a delegation led by the head of the Mossad to Cairo, it will be an indication of a positive development regarding the framework of the ongoing hostage negotiations."
Israel and Hamas have engaged in several hostage negotiations mediated by several foreign actors, namely Egypt and Qatar. However, none have proven successful since the initial hostage deal in November.
Another official stated that contrary to reports made by Arab media, the stipulation to end the war in Gaza in exchange for hostages is not on the table.
Questions of whether or not the IDF will operate in Rafah
The source noted that the IDF will enter Rafah and destroy remaining Hamas battalions whether there is a temporary truce to release hostages or not.
Arab media has reported that Hamas will announce later on Saturday whether they agree to terms of a hostage deal mediated by Egypt, KAN noted in their report.
In response to Netanyahu's reported decision to hold back the negotiating team, Yesh Atid chairman and MK Yair Lapid called on Netanyahu to send the negotiating team to Cairo and push for the release of the hostages.
In his statement, Lapid said that the team should not come back without a deal and that returning the hostages is the most pressing task.
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