Jerusalem24 – Today, Thursday, Israeli political sources denied what was published in various media outlets in the past two days, about the existence of any progress in the files related to Gaza, whether related to the truce, the reconstruction of the Strip, or to the file of prisoners exchange deal.
The Israeli newspaper, Maariv quoted those sources as saying that there is no progress or any breakthrough in these files, noting at the same time that Egypt is already making great efforts to try to achieve stability in the Gaza Strip, and is discussing with the Hamas leadership an increase in the entry of goods from Egypt into the Gaza Strip via the Rafah crossing. This is in part because the Egyptians see it as enhancing their capabilities and standing internationally, especially towards the Americans.
The sources added, “nevertheless, at this stage there is no breakthrough or change in the status quo, neither in the file of the reconstruction of the Strip, nor in the file of prisoners exchange deal.”
According to the Israeli newspaper, Hamas sees great importance for the arrival of its senior leaders to Cairo at a summit that has not been held for a long time between members of its political bureau. Noting that dialogue with the Egyptians for all parties is an important factor in order to maintain relative calm in the recent period, which contributes to creating civil relief for Gaza by allowing more merchants to enter Israel, at a time when the issue of the third part of the Qatari grant in favor of the salaries of Hamas employees has not been resolved due to difficulties in finding the appropriate mechanism for Israel’s demands.
Israeli military and security sources believe that the recent relative calm was not accidental, and that it reflects Hamas’ desire to improve the economic situation in Gaza and obtain additional benefits from the Egyptians. Noting that this requires a decision from the political level on civil issues towards Gaza, as well as a decision regarding the Qatari money, and looking into the question of the price they are willing to pay in exchange for a possible prisoner exchange deal with Hamas.
