Egypt Accuses Netanyahu of Sabotaging Gaza Ceasefire Deal

A senior Egyptian official has accused Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of deliberately obstructing a permanent Gaza ceasefire. The official stated that Netanyahu is actively "maneuvering" to delay the crucial second phase of the proposed agreement. The alleged tactic involves redirecting U.S. diplomatic attention toward other ongoing crises in the Middle East. The second phase of the deal, which Egypt and Qatar have helped mediate, is intended to establish a lasting end to hostilities. It would also include the exchange of remaining Israeli hostages and Palestinian prisoners. This public accusation highlights the growing frustration among mediators. It suggests that political calculations, rather than just ongoing military operations, are a major barrier to ending the war. Israel has not yet publicly responded to this specific allegation from Egypt.