Egyptian intelligence has been accused of secretly changing the terms of a hostage deal and cease-fire agreement after Israel had already agreed to it. The changes, allegedly made without the knowledge of the United States, Qatar, or Israel, have led to significant tension and disrupted ceasefire negotiations.
According to a report, three sources familiar with the matter revealed that the deputy head of Egyptian intelligence, Ahmed Abdel Khalek, altered the details of the agreement. These changes were communicated to Hamas, the Palestinian movement, without informing the other mediators or Israel.
The original agreement, which Hamas announced on May 6, was believed to be the same as the one discussed by the Qataris and Americans. However, the altered version included additional demands from Hamas that were not disclosed to Israel or other involved parties.
The revelations, the reports added, have caused outrage among officials in Israel, the United States, and Qatar.
CIA Director, Bill Burns, who was actively involved in mediating the deal, expressed his disappointment regarding the alterations, saying he felt undermined and out of the loop.
The Egyptian government is yet to respond to these allegations. But there are indications that any future negotiations might see a more prominent role for Qatar, although Egypt’s involvement remains crucial due to its geographical proximity and Israel’s preference for Egyptian mediation over Qatari involvement, despite Qatar’s support for Hamas.
The alleged changes by Egypt have left the hostage deal and ceasefire talks in a precarious state, with no immediate resolution in sight.
By xamse
May 22, 2024
