Egypt sidelined from Gaza ceasefire talks amid fears it will be drawn into war

Egypt has been sidelined in Gaza ceasefire negotiations as correspondence with Israel has been completely cut off. Egyptian intelligence sources fear that an Israeli assault on the enclave could force Palestinians to breach the Sinai border, triggering chaos. According to the sources, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is determined to invade Gaza and has ignored recent peace proposals, even one Hamas accepted. The United States is reportedly giving its full blessing to Israeli moves, while Qatar's role as a mediator is minimal.