Israeli delegation to visit Egypt to outline Bennett's 'vision' for Gaza: sources
An delegation is set to visit next week to outline Prime Minister Neftali Bennett's position onGaza issues, including a potential prisoner swap deal with Hamas,Egyptian sources have told ’s Arabic-language site.
The Tel Aviv officials will relay Bennet's stance on thepossibledeal, as well as issues relating toEgypt'srole in reconstruction inthe besieged territory, devastated following the recent Gaza war. The officials will also discussde-escalation in the region.
News of the visit follows a trip last week by an Israeli delegation led by Nimrod Shafir, the deputy head of the country'sNational Security Council, which had a similar focus.
Shafir met Abbas Kamel, the chief of Egypt'sspy agency who had met with Hamas officials in Gaza following the 11-day brutal bombardment.
According to the Egyptian sources who spoke to , the current delegationinformed the Egyptians that they will carry with them unspecified "new developments" during their trip, which they hope willbe passed on toHamas and other armed groups in Gaza.
The sources alleged that Hamas had in negotiations disclosed to Egyptian officials that it may be holding more than four Israeli soldiers captive.No information was revealed about their identities however, with Hamas deeming the surrender of such information as conditionalon whether the "price"is right.
Hamas is reportedly seeking the release of top Palestinian leaders held by Israel, including Marwan Al Barghouti and Ahmad Sadaat.
Hamas holds two Israeli soldiers captive, both of whom were taken by the militantsafter the Israeli war on Gaza in 2014. The groupalso holds two Israelicivilians who entered Gaza in unclear circumstances.