The initiative, which gained support from most Israeli ministers and Israel’s security establishment, was declined by Netanyahu, who stated that “negotiations will take place only under fire,” as reported by Israel’s Channel 12.

Announced by President al-Sisi at a press conference with Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune in Cairo, the proposal included a brief cease-fire to enable prisoner exchanges, followed by a 10-day period for negotiations toward a permanent truce. Despite backing from Israel’s security sector, Netanyahu’s opposition led to its dismissal.

Israel estimates around 101 of its citizens are held by Hamas in Gaza, with concerns over casualties due to ongoing Israeli airstrikes in the densely populated area. Efforts by the United States, Egypt, and Qatar to broker a cease-fire and initiate prisoner swaps have thus far failed.

The ongoing Israeli genocidal war, launched after a cross-border incursion by Hamas last month, has resulted in nearly 43,000 Palestinian fatalities—primarily women and children—and over 100,000 injuries, according to local health sources. The violence has displaced almost Gaza’s entire population amid a strict blockade, creating severe shortages of essential supplies. (ILKHA)