On 14 November, an Israeli security delegation arrived in Cairo, Egypt to discuss a prisoner swap with Palestinian resistance factions in Gaza.

According to the Israeli state TV channel (KAN), the security delegation will meet with Egyptian officials to discuss issues relating to Gaza’s current status, including a prolonged ceasefire and a prisoner swap deal, as well as boosting bilateral ties between Israel and Egypt.

The delegation is reportedly headed by the Israeli National Security Adviser Eyal Hulata, and is expected meet with Egyptian intelligence chief Abbas Kamel.

Hamas reportedly detained two Israeli soldiers during the 2014 Israeli strike on Gaza.

Two other Israelis are also believed to be held in the custody of Hamas after they entered Gaza under suspicious conditions.

Hamas hopes to make a swap deal between the Israeli captives and around 4,500 Palestinians suffering in Israeli prisons.

Last month, the same delegation arrived in Egypt to discuss a truce with Hamas, but discussions failed to yield results.

In the October meeting, Ismail Haniyeh, Khaled Meshaal, and Yahya Sinwar represented Hamas in the talks. It is expected that the same delegation will be present at the negotiations in Cairo.

Egypt has played a pivotal role as mediator since May, when tensions between Israel and the Palestinians were at their height, and managed to secure a ceasefire after almost two weeks of fighting in the Gaza Strip, and in Sheikh Jarrah.

In May 2021, Israelis tried to forcibly evict Palestinians from their homes in Sheikh Jarrah. They also attacked Palestinian worshippers in Al-Aqsa Mosque.

The prisoner exchange deal has remained at a standstill since October.