Egyptian Delegation Negotiates with Israel and Hamas for Ceasefire Implementation

With the likelihood of renewed clashes between Israel and Hamas increasing, a group from Egypt traveled to Israel on Thursday, April 8, to mediate discussions regarding a new ceasefire plan with both parties. At the same time, Hamas is preparing for a large demonstration at the Israeli border for Saturday, and Israel has announced it will increase its troop presence in the area in response. According to Ismail Radwan, a senior Hamas official, the Egyptian delegation will return to Gaza after meeting with Israeli officials on Thursday evening or Friday morning. Mr. Radwan also implied that if progress is made, Hamas will hold the Saturday demonstration on a smaller scale. This demonstration, which marks the one-year anniversary of the weekly Palestinian protests, is expected to be extensive. Ismail Radwan stated, "If a new understanding is reached, our people in Gaza will feel much more at ease." He added that if Israel adheres to this agreement, "the Saturday demonstration will be peaceful." The Associated Press reported, citing three Hamas officials familiar with the negotiations, that the Egyptian delegation proposed a series of measures to ease the Gaza blockade by Egypt and Israel. In return, Hamas must commit to stopping rocket launches at Israel and controlling the demonstrations, keeping protesters away from the border fence. However, these officials say that the implementation of this agreement may only occur after the Saturday demonstration, which Israel is likely to oppose. According to them, Israel's actions will also include expanding the fishing zone for Palestinian fishermen in the Mediterranean Sea, increasing the import of goods to Palestine and exports from it, increasing the electricity supply from Israel to Gaza, and enhancing the movement of people at the Gaza border. Israel has not yet commented on these negotiations. So far, about 200 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces during these demonstrations. Israel claims it is protecting its borders and that protesters are throwing explosives into its territory.