Egypt and Israel Discuss Reopening Rafah Crossing

Egypt is negotiating with Israel to reopen the Rafah border crossing into Gaza, which has been shut since May, aiming to facilitate humanitarian aid and establish a temporary ceasefire. The proposed agreement includes a 60-day ceasefire during which Israel would maintain a military presence in Gaza and a prisoner exchange may occur after seven days. Egyptian officials visited Israel to discuss the terms, with indications that both Egypt and Hamas are willing to ease their demands regarding the withdrawal of Israeli forces. The Rafah crossing is essential for aid delivery and has been critical during the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza, where over 44,000 deaths have been reported amid continuous military operations. Meanwhile, talks continue between Palestinian factions Fatah and Hamas in Cairo to manage the governance of Gaza post-conflict, marking a potential thaw in their long-standing rivalry. Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu emphasizes that military operations will persist until Hamas is fully dismantled, despite pressures to secure hostages' release.