Cairo, 27 August 2024 (TDI): Egypt has said it will not accept the continued presence of Israeli troops along its border with the Gaza Strip.
Cairo, a key mediator in efforts to secure a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas in Gaza, reiterated to all parties that it will not accept presence of Israeli forces along the strategic Philadelphi Corridor, state-linked media reported citing a high-level source.
A key sticking point in the ceasefire negotiations have been calls for Israel to withdraw its troops from the border area, including the Rafah crossing, the only one from the Palestinian territory that was not directly controlled by Israel.
Israeli troops seized the Palestinian side of the Rafah crossing in early May, a move that has cut off a crucial assistance route and drawn repeated condemnation from Egypt and other nations.
Talks Yield Little Hopes
The talks, also mediated by Qatar and the US, have yielded little hope for a ceasefire agreement, though Washington said Friday that some progress had been made.
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Hamas said Sunday the group’s delegation had met with Qatari and Egyptian mediators before leaving Cairo, where Israeli negotiators were also expected.
