In the lead-up to the resumption of cease-fire negotiations between Israel and Hamas, Egypt, a key mediator in the process, has expressed skepticism about the proposed bridging proposal. As more details emerged, doubts began to overshadow the optimism that U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken had brought with him during his recent visit to the region.

The challenges surrounding the bridging proposal have cast a shadow over the prospects of an imminent agreement. With fears growing of a wider regional war following the targeted killings of leaders from both Hamas and Hezbollah, which have been attributed to Israel, diplomatic efforts have intensified and a sense of urgency has set in.

On Wednesday, President Joe Biden had a conversation with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. While the details of their discussion have not been released, it is clear that the situation remains a top priority for the United States.

Egypt, being both a mediator in the talks and a neighboring country to Gaza, finds itself in a unique position. Officials speaking to The Associated Press have stated that Hamas is unlikely to accept the bridging proposal due to several reasons, in addition to their long-standing concerns about the removal of Israeli forces from Gaza and the end of the war.

According to an Egyptian official with direct knowledge of the negotiations, the bridging proposal stipulates that Hamas must release the most vulnerable civilian hostages captured in their October 7th attack on Israel, which served as a trigger for the current conflict. The subsequent negotiation phases would then take place without any guarantees for Hamas from Israel or the mediators.

However, Hamas remains reluctant to accept the proposal, with the official stating, "The Americans are offering promises, not guarantees. Hamas won't accept this, because it virtually means Hamas will release the civilian hostages in return for a six-week pause of fighting with no guarantees for a negotiated permanent cease-fire."

As the parties prepare to resume the negotiations, the road to a lasting cease-fire appears to be fraught with challenges. While international efforts continue, the skepticism displayed by Egypt exposes the complexity of the situation and the uphill battle that lies ahead in achieving a peaceful resolution to the Israel-Hamas conflict.