An Israeli demonstration in occupied Jerusalem demanding the conclusion of a prisoner exchange deal has intensified as families of Israeli prisoners urge U.S. President Joe Biden to pressure Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to finalize the deal. The families held a press conference, claiming Netanyahu is obstructing the agreement due to political interests and contentious conditions regarding the Philadelphia axis. They described the upcoming negotiations in Cairo as a last chance to save their loved ones, following multiple failed rounds of discussions.
A delegation from Hamas has arrived in Cairo to meet with Egyptian intelligence officials to discuss the ongoing talks, while reaffirming their commitment to a ceasefire and prisoner exchange agreement established last July. The anticipated meeting in Cairo, deemed crucial by Israeli officials, will involve key figures, including CIA Director William Burns and the head of the Israeli Mossad, David Barnea. Reports indicate that Israel has made significant concessions, particularly concerning military presence on the Philadelphia axis, although Egypt has rejected the idea of Israeli forces remaining in that area.
