Cairo According to knowledgeable Egyptian sources, Israel demands that Hamas disarm before agreeing to Egypt’s six-month plan for a ceasefire in Gaza.

During a meeting with Egyptian authorities in Cairo on Monday, an Israeli security team headed by Israeli Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer conveyed the Israeli reaction, the sources told Xinhua.

According to the sources, the Egyptian approach calls for the opening of the Rafah border crossing, the release of half of the Israeli captives now being held in Gaza, a six-month halt in hostilities, and the admission of humanitarian supplies into Gaza.

According to the Xinhua news agency, they also disclosed that the Egyptian side will meet with Hamas the next week to talk about Israel’s reaction.

According to an Israeli diplomatic source quoted by Israeli daily Israel Hayom on Tuesday, stories in international media that claimed “a significant breakthrough” in the ceasefire negotiations in Gaza are “inaccurate.”

“Israel is continuously and tirelessly working with the Americans and the mediators to advance a deal for the release of our hostages, but no agreement has been reached so far,” a diplomatic source said.

Dermer reaffirmed Israel’s commitment to disarming Hamas, putting an end to its authority in Gaza, and making sure the enclave poses no challenges to Israel in the future before his trip to Egypt.

According to an Egyptian security source who spoke to Xinhua, a Hamas delegation headed by senior leader Khalil al-Hayya decided in Cairo on Saturday to free all Israeli captives in return for a five-year ceasefire. Israel turned down the plan, according to Kan, the country’s state-run broadcaster.

After the first six-week period of a truce deal with Hamas, which began on January 19, ended, Israel stopped allowing relief shipments into Gaza on March 2. Israel said that the action was taken because Hamas had turned down its offer to prolong the first phase. The gradual ceasefire agreement was subsequently essentially terminated on March 18 when Israeli troops started bombing across Gaza.

For weeks, Qatar, Egypt, and the United States have mediated indirect talks between Israel and Hamas with the goal of resolving the protracted battle in Gaza that began in October 2023.