Egyptian Scepticism Shadows Cease-Fire Talks Between Israel and Hamas

Egypt has expressed scepticism about the latest cease-fire proposal between Israel and Hamas, which lacks guarantees for Hamas. The bridging proposal involves a phased implementation but does not ensure a complete Israeli withdrawal from Gaza. Talks resume in Cairo amid fears of a wider regional conflict.

Key mediator Egypt expressed scepticism on Wednesday as more details emerged of the proposal meant to bridge gaps in cease-fire talks between Israel and Hamas, a day before negotiations were expected to resume in Cairo.

The challenges surrounding the so-called bridging proposal appear to undermine the optimism for an imminent agreement, which U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken carried into his latest Mideast visit this week. President Joe Biden planned to speak with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Wednesday, according to two people familiar with the planning of the call who spoke on condition of anonymity due to lack of authorization to comment publicly.

Diplomatic efforts have redoubled as fears grow of a wider regional war following the recent targeted killings of leaders of the militant Hamas and Hezbollah groups, both blamed on Israel, and threats of retaliation.

(With inputs from agencies.)