Top Israeli security officials have travelled to Cairo for discussions with their Egyptian counterparts regarding the implementation of the Gaza ceasefire agreement, according to reports from Israeli media.
Mossad chief David Barnea and Ronen Bar, head of Israel’s domestic intelligence agency Shin Bet, met with Egyptian intelligence chief Hassan Rashad.
Discussions reportedly focused on managing the ceasefire, monitoring compliance, and addressing potential violations.
A significant portion of the talks revolved around security arrangements along the Philadelphi Corridor, which borders Egypt and Gaza, Israeli broadcaster KAN reported.
The ceasefire’s initial phase requires a gradual reduction of Israeli military forces along the Corridor. Additionally, the talks addressed plans to deport Palestinian prisoners serving life sentences outside Palestinian territories, as stipulated in the agreement.
The Gaza ceasefire, which began on 19 January, is structured in three phases, aiming for a permanent truce and the withdrawal of Israeli forces from the region. As part of the agreement, Israel is set to release a second batch of Palestinian prisoners on Saturday.
The ceasefire follows months of devastating conflict, with Gaza’s health authorities reporting nearly 47,000 Palestinians, predominantly women and children, killed since Israel’s military campaign began on 7 October 2023. More than 110,700 others were injured, creating what is widely regarded as one of the worst humanitarian crises in recent history.
Israel’s actions in Gaza have drawn international scrutiny. In November 2024, the International Criminal Court (ICC) issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defence Minister Yoav Gallant on charges of war crimes and crimes against humanity. Additionally, Israel faces a genocide case at the International Court of Justice (ICJ).
Egypt has played a key mediating role in the ceasefire agreement. However, Egyptian authorities have not yet commented on the reported discussions.
