Egyptian intelligence official Ahmed Abdel Khalek allegedly sabotaged a potential cease-fire deal between Israel and Hamas by making secret changes to the terms of the agreement. According to reports, he altered the deal after Israel had already agreed to it, adding more of Hamas’ demands in order to secure their approval.
The main point of contention in the deal was the call for “sustainable calm” in the second phase. Israel was reportedly against negotiating an end to the conflict until Hamas was defeated and all hostages were released. The deal could have led to the release of some Israeli hostages and Palestinian prisoners, as well as a temporary halt to combat. However, US officials had hoped that a temporary cease-fire could pave the way for a more lasting peace.
Officials from Qatar, the US, and Israel were caught off guard and frustrated by Khalek’s clandestine alterations to the agreement. Hamas initially announced its agreement to the deal on May 6th, with mediation from Qatar and Egypt. However, Israeli officials expressed skepticism, viewing it as a ploy to portray Israel as the party rejecting a deal.
The collapse of the cease-fire agreement is a setback for US President Joe Biden, who is facing criticism from some left-wing voters for his support of Israel’s military actions in Gaza. The failed deal also disappoints mediators hoping to prevent Israel’s escalation of violence in Rafah.
