An Israeli official close to ongoing talks to secure a ceasefire and prisoner exchange deal denied reports by the Arab media that the United States has presented guarantees to the mediators and Hamas that the Israeli Occupation Forces (IOF) will withdraw all troops from from the Gaza Strip at the end of the proposed three-phased ceasefire agreement - as reported by “The Times of Israel”.

“Contrary to the reports, Israel will under no circumstances agree to the end of the war as part of an agreement to release our hostages,” the official says.

“As the political echelon decided, the IDF will enter Rafah and destroy the remaining Hamas battalions there – with or without a temporary respite to allow for the release of our hostages,” the official added.

Also Read: Hamas delegation arrives in Egypt to continue talks on ceasefire deal

Earlier today, reports emerged that Hamas’ leadership has agreed to implement the first phase of the proposed three-phased ceasefire and prisoner exchange deal, after the United States pledged through mediators -Egypt and Qatar- that the Israeli Occupation Forces (IOF) would withdraw completely from the Gaza Strip and stop its aggression - according to a senior Hamas source cited by Hebrew Channel 12.

It added that the CIA Director William J. Burns will return to Cairo to oversee and finalize the last remaining details of the agreement. A Hamas delegation led by Khalil Al-Hayya will also travel to Cairo and arrive today in addition to an “Israeli” delegation.

According to Channel 12, the United States committed to Hamas and mediators that “Israel” will not invade Rafah at any point from now.

However, there are other points of contention in the deal yet to be agreed upon, particularly regarding the entry of dual-use materials into the Strip – which are items that can be both used for civilian and military applications.

The Hamas source added that stipulations regarding dual-use materials are close to being finalized, adding that Hamas made it clear compromises were reached regarding the number of Palestinian prisoners who will be released in exchange for each “Israeli” captive.

*Stay informed with our carefully curated content delivered directly to your inbox. Subscribe to our newsletter for exclusive updates and in-depth analysis. Click here to subscribe.