High-level source denies rumors of new Gaza security arrangements between Egypt, Israel

CAIRO – 12 July 2024: A high-level source has refuted rumors spread by certain Israeli parties regarding new security arrangements with Egypt, Al Qahera News reported.

The source stated that these false claims are an attempt by those parties to conceal their failures in Gaza.

The source did not provide specific details about these rumors but affirmed that Egypt has made significant efforts to make progress in the negotiations for a ceasefire in Gaza.

Earlier today, Reuters reported ongoing talks between Egyptian and Israeli ceasefire negotiators regarding alleged establishment of an electronic surveillance system along the Egypt-Gaza border.

The report quoted two Egyptian sources and a third source familiar with the matter, without disclosing their identities or specifying the nationality of the third source.

According to this third source, the negotiators are discussing the implementation of "sensors that would be built on the Egyptian side of the Philadelphi corridor."

The purpose of this system is to detect alleged tunnels along the border, which would contribute to reaching a ceasefire agreement, the source claimed.

The office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu issued a statement on Friday to refute Reuters’ report about a potential withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza.

“The Reuters report, according to which, Israel has discussed the possibility of withdrawing from the Philadelphi Corridor, is absolute fake news,” Netanyahu’s office added.

The Prime Minister insists that Israel remain on the Philadelphi Corridor. He has instructed the negotiating teams accordingly, made this clear to US representatives this week, and updated the Security Cabinet to this effect last night.

— Prime Minister of Israel (@IsraeliPM) July 12, 2024

Previously, an Egyptian source categorically denied Israeli claims of involvement in any smuggling attempts between the Egyptian and Palestinian territories.

In late May, the source also rejected Israeli "lies" regarding the existence of tunnels along the Egypt-Gaza border as reported by Al Qahera News.

Egypt has consistently expressed its objection to the Israeli presence in Gaza, particularly in Rafah city and the Philadelphi corridor along the Egyptian-Gazan border.

Ceasefire negotiations are currently underway, involving top negotiators from Egypt, Israel, and the United States, with the aim of reaching an agreement to halt hostilities in Gaza after nine months of Israeli military operations.

The negotiators are reportedly building upon the principles outlined in a ceasefire plan proposed by US President Joe Biden in late May, which includes a permanent cessation of hostilities as part of its second phase.

While Hamas has repeatedly affirmed its commitment to this demand, the movement recently stated that it may accept a ceasefire without prior approval for a permanent cessation of hostilities.

Hamas officials explained that the US offer stipulates that the ceasefire would continue as long as negotiations are ongoing, allowing for discussions on a permanent ceasefire to take place.

However, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has recently emphasized that Tel Aviv will not accept a ceasefire that prevents its forces from resuming military operations in Gaza until all of their objectives are achieved.

These objectives include the safe return of captives taken by Hamas during its October 7 attack on Israel and the dismantling of Hamas' military and governing capabilities.

Since October 7, 38,345 people in Gaza have lost their lives and 88,295 others were injured due to the Israeli strikes.

Additionally, Gaza lost most of its infrastructure, including hospitals, schools and other vital facilities, and is currently facing a looming famine.