Gaza, Oct 14 (UNI) The head of the Israeli Security Agency (ISA, Shabaq or Shin Bet), Ronen Bar, visited Cairo, where he discussed with the head of Egyptian intelligence, Abbas Kamel, ways to resume talks on a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip and the release of hostages, the Walla portal reported citing a source.
The publication emphasized that the visit of a high-ranking Israeli official to Cairo was the first since August 22.
In addition, during the talks, the intelligence chiefs discussed ways to resume contacts with the leader of the Palestinian movement Hamas, Yahya Sinwar, the source told the publication.
As noted, Bar and Kamel also discussed ways to end the crisis around the Philadelphi Corridor and the Rafah checkpoint.
The Financial Times newspaper, citing a source involved in the talks, previously reported that Israel and Hamas, amid the escalation of the conflict in the Middle East, were “farther than ever” from reaching a ceasefire deal in the Gaza Strip.
A representative of the Hamas political leadership in Lebanon, Ayman Shanaa, previously told RIA Novosti that the leadership saw no point in negotiations on the exchange of prisoners until a complete ceasefire and the withdrawal of Israeli troops from the Gaza Strip. He noted that the movement was ready for a ceasefire, but due to the position of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, the talks were fruitless.
