Israel offers final opportunity for hostage deal before Rafah assault, according to reports. admin, April 26, 2024 Israel is aiming to eliminate the last remaining Hamas battalions in a town in southern Gaza and has engaged in talks with Egyptian representatives in Tel Aviv. According to a senior Israeli official, the negotiations were described as “very good” and focused on pressuring Hamas to reach an agreement. Reports indicated progress in various aspects of the talks, with Egyptian media also noting significant advancements. The Israeli official emphasized that Israel would not allow Hamas, particularly its leader in the Gaza Strip, Yahya al-Sinwar, to hinder a hostage deal to prevent the planned military offensive in Rafah. Israeli forces have mobilized additional reserve brigades, believing that al-Sinwar is hiding in tunnels below Rafah. The official stressed that reaching an agreement was crucial before resorting to military action. Egypt is also concerned about potential consequences of a military assault on Rafah, as it borders the country and could lead to a large number of Palestinians crossing the border. Over a million civilians have sought refuge in Rafah from the fighting in other parts of the Gaza Strip. Talks initially focused on a limited agreement for the release of certain hostages, an idea rejected by Hamas, which is advocating for a permanent ceasefire that Israel opposes. The situation remains tense as Israel continues its efforts to thwart Hamas in Gaza, while diplomatic discussions persist in search of a resolution. Gaza Crisis Diplomacy