The head of Israel’s intelligence agency, Shin Bet, visited Cairo on Sunday and met with the chief of Egyptian intelligence, leading to renewed discussions about a possible ceasefire in Gaza.
According to Israeli newspaper Maariv, a new proposal was presented to the Israeli cabinet the previous evening, suggesting a prisoner exchange agreement between Israel and Hamas.
The proposal involves a two-week ceasefire in Gaza in exchange for the release of five Israeli captives alive.
The proposal reportedly gained support from Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, Foreign Minister Yisrael Katz, and Justice Minister Yariv Levin. However, Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir opposed it.
Earlier, on Sunday evening, during the meeting in Cairo, the Israeli and Egyptian intelligence chiefs discussed resuming negotiations regarding the exchange of prisoners.
According to the U.S. website Axios, the head of Shin Bet emphasized that it was an opportunity to revive the negotiations.
Following the martyrdom of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar last week, the issue of prisoner exchange has once again become a point of discussion. After Sinwar’s death, Hamas stated that prisoners would not be released without a ceasefire agreement and the withdrawal of Israeli forces from the Gaza Strip.
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