Egypt seeks further talks with Israel in renewed mediation push to secure hostages-for-truce deal

CAIRO — Egypt has asked for a follow-up meeting with Israel in renewed efforts to mediate a deal for a ceasefire and the release of hostages in the Gaza Strip, two Egyptian security sources say.

Egyptian, Israeli and US officials held in-person and remote meetings on Wednesday that sought concessions to break a deadlock in months-long negotiations for a truce in the war between Israel and Hamas that was triggered by the terror group’s October 7 attack, the sources say.

Egypt believes Israel had shown more willingness to allow displaced Gazans to return toward the north of the enclave in a way that limited security checks and procedures for those not suspected of terror activity, they add.

A meeting between Egyptian and Israeli officials is expected to take place on Friday in Cairo, the sources say, with further meetings with the Hamas contingent on the result.