Negotiations between delegations of Israel and the radical Palestinian group "Hamas" for the next phase of the ceasefire in the Gaza Strip began in the Egyptian capital - Cairo, the Associated Press reported, quoted by BTA, citing Egyptian authorities.
The first phase came into effect on January 19 and was agreed for a period of six weeks, which means it expires in two days, Reuters notes.
Earlier today, Israel announced that it was sending negotiators to Cairo for talks, the aim of which is to extend the pause in hostilities. The Israeli intention is to release all hostages held by "Hamas", Reuters specifies.
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sar stated to media representatives in Jerusalem that in Cairo the Israeli delegation would check whether there was ground for negotiations to extend the the ceasefire.
"We have already stated that we are ready to extend the framework agreement in order to release more hostages," said Sarr.
Nearly 17 months after the terrorist attack by the Palestinian group "Hamas" in southern Israel on October 7, 2023, after which the war in the Gaza Strip began, the Israeli army published the results of its own investigation into why this was allowed, BNR reported.
In the report, the command of the Israeli armed forces admits that it failed in its mission to defend the civilian population of Israel.
It is stated that the attack by "Hamas" was carried out in three waves of a total of 5,000 people. The first wave included about 1,000 fighters from the group's elite units. The second brought another 2,000 terrorists into Israel, and the third included Palestinian civilians.
1,200 Israelis were killed then, most of them civilians. 251 were kidnapped in Gaza. 58 are still being held hostage there. 34 of them are believed to be dead.
The military investigation found that during the October 7 raid, Israel's intelligence and military resources were mostly directed at other potential fronts - such as against "Hezbollah" in Lebanon. Defense against "Hamas" relied mainly on intelligence, the border fence and defense plans. Military units around Gaza were not sufficiently reinforced. It was believed that "Hamas" are not preparing for a full-scale war with Israel.
In a special video message, the chief of the Israeli General Staff, Lieutenant General Herzi Halevi, said that he takes full responsibility. He resigned last month and will be replaced in his post next week.
The Reuters agency notes that the opposition in Israel is demanding a comprehensive investigation into the failure of the government, the army and the services on October 7. However, Prime Minister Netanyahu believes that such an investigation is inappropriate before the war is over.
The first phase of the ceasefire between Israel and "Hamas" expires on Saturday. It is not yet clear whether there will be a second phase.