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Egypt’s Bridging Proposal for Gaza: Awaiting Hamas and Israeli Response

Egypt has proposed a bridging plan for negotiations, focusing on hostages and Israeli withdrawal, with U.S. initial support. Discussions with Hamas continue, and Egypt is willing to temporarily host 500,000 Gazans. Responses are expected from both Hamas and Israel soon.

In recent developments, an anonymous Palestinian official disclosed to Reuters that Egypt has proposed a bridging plan aimed at facilitating negotiations, although Hamas has not yet responded. The official indicated that the specifics of the plan are currently under consideration.

According to two Egyptian security sources, the proposal includes establishing a timeline for the release of remaining hostages, concomitant with a deadline for a complete Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, backed by U.S. assurances. Initial approval from the U.S. has been indicated, with responses from Hamas and Israel anticipated later this Friday.

Following a meeting with U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff, Hamas is reportedly still deliberating various proposals, focusing on achieving a deal that encompasses prisoner releases, cessation of hostilities, and full withdrawal of Israeli forces from the Gaza Strip.

Furthermore, Al-Akhbar, a Lebanese newspaper linked to Hezbollah, reported that Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi expressed Egypt’s readiness to temporarily accommodate up to 500,000 Gazans. This statement followed President Sisi’s participation in an Arab summit in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, suggesting that these displaced individuals would be relocated to a city in Northern Sinai.

Earlier this year, U.S. President Donald Trump remarked that Egypt and Jordan should accept displaced Palestinians during the reconstruction of Gaza, highlighting the support that the U.S. extends to these nations.

In summary, Egypt has presented a bridging proposal aimed at facilitating discussions with Hamas concerning key issues, including hostage release and Israeli withdrawal from Gaza. Initial support from the U.S. has been indicated, and in addition, Egypt has shown willingness to accommodate dislocated Gazans temporarily. The situation remains fluid, with responses from involved parties anticipated shortly.

Original Source: www.jpost.com

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