The focus has shifted to negotiations aimed at achieving a truce and an agreement for the exchange of hostages in Gaza. Israel has indicated its willingness to suspend its invasion of Rafah if an agreement is reached on releasing Israeli prisoners.
The Arab Six-Party Group, consisting of Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Egypt, Palestine, and Qatar, met in Riyadh to emphasize the need for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and the protection of civilians according to international humanitarian law. They also called for lifting restrictions hindering humanitarian aid and supporting efforts for international recognition of an independent Palestinian state.
The attendees highlighted the importance of implementing the two-state solution and rejecting any attempts to displace Palestinians or conduct military operations in Rafah. They also warned against illegal Israeli measures in the West Bank and East Jerusalem.
Israeli Foreign Minister Yisrael Katz mentioned a potential postponement of the incursion into Rafah if an agreement is reached on releasing Israeli prisoners. Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi emphasized the urgent need to stop the bloodshed in Gaza and work towards a ceasefire, prisoner exchange, and humanitarian aid. Progress has been made in aligning views between Egypt and Israel on a truce agreement for Gaza.
Families of Israeli detainees in Gaza have called for an end to the war and a prisoner exchange rather than a military operation in Rafah. US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken has postponed his visit to Israel to facilitate ongoing negotiations related to this issue.