Egyptian Intelligence Chief in Jerusalem for High-Stakes Talks to Bolster Gaza Ceasefire

TDT | Manama

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In a diplomatic push to sustain the fragile calm in Gaza, Egypt’s intelligence chief Hassan Rashad arrived in Jerusalem on Tuesday for high-level discussions with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

According to a statement from Netanyahu’s office, the meeting — held at the Prime Minister’s Office in Jerusalem — focused on advancing a US-backed roadmap for Gaza, strengthening Israel-Egypt relations, and addressing wider regional challenges.

“Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his professional team met with the head of Egyptian intelligence... to discuss advancing President Trump’s plan, bolstering peace between the two nations, and reviewing other regional issues,” the statement said, referencing Washington’s ceasefire framework initially introduced under former US President Donald Trump.

Rashad’s visit comes just over a week after Israel and Hamas entered a tenuous truce, brokered in Egypt’s Red Sea resort city of Sharm El-Sheikh. Egyptian officials have been working around the clock to preserve the agreement amid sporadic tensions and international pressure for lasting peace.

Adding to the diplomatic momentum, Egyptian state-linked broadcaster Extra News reported that Rashad will also hold talks with US Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff, who is currently in Israel to coordinate American efforts in support of the ceasefire.

The flurry of diplomatic activity coincides with the arrival of US Vice President JD Vance, who is visiting Israel to reinforce Washington’s support for the truce. Vance is expected to meet envoys Witkoff and Jared Kushner, alongside US military advisers overseeing the ceasefire’s implementation.

Israeli media outlets have confirmed that Vice President Vance will also hold direct talks with Prime Minister Netanyahu on Wednesday in Jerusalem — a meeting seen as a crucial step toward stabilizing the fragile peace and setting the stage for broader regional cooperation.