Netanyahu asks Egyptian FM to help free Israelis held in Gaza

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu asked the Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shukri on Monday to help free Israelis held in the Gaza Strip, Rassd.com reported.

In a meeting with journalists after the first such visit for an Egyptian official in ten years, Shukri said in a press conference that he had discussed a proposal for a comprehensive peace and a solution for the Palestinian-Israeli conflict as it is seen by the Egyptian President Abdul-Fattah al-Sisi.

Netanyahu said: “I welcome Al-Sisi proposal and appreciate the Egyptian efforts to push forward the peace process with the Palestinians and the attempt to promote peace in the region.”

Rassd.com said that the Israeli general radio reported that Netanyahu asked Al-Sisi to help release the Israelis held in Gaza. The radio reported Shukri as giving a “positive” reply.

Khalid Fawzi, chief of the Egyptian intelligence services, discussed the issue with Hamas leaders during their latest visit to Cairo.

Abu-Obaida, spokesman of Hamas’ military wing, appeared on Al-Aqsa TV in April in front of a poster including pictures of four Israelis, saying that any piece of information about them “must have a price before any negotiations”.