Egypt proposed "small" Gaza hostage-ceasefire deal, Israeli officials say

• But U.S. and Israeli officials think Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar's death creates an opportunity to resume negotiations for a deal to release the 101 hostages still held by Hamas and establish a ceasefire in Gaza.

Driving the news: The meeting in Cairo on Sunday between Egypt's new intelligence chief Hassan Rashad and Shin Bet director Ronen Bar was Rashad's first engagement with an Israeli official.

• It took place less than a week after Rashad assumed office and against the backdrop of Sinwar's death.
• A source with knowledge of the meeting said Bar told Rashad that after Sinwar's killing there is a window of opportunity to renew negotiations on the hostage and ceasefire deal and emphasized that Egypt has a key role in this effort.

Behind the scenes: The Israeli officials said the director of the Shin Bet presented the Egyptians' idea to Israel's Security Cabinet at a meeting on Sunday night when he returned from Cairo.

• The Egyptians are proposing to start with a "small deal" that would include the release of a small number of hostages held by Hamas in return for a few days of ceasefire in Gaza, the Israeli officials said.

• The Egyptian spy chief told Bar the "small deal" would then continue with renewed negotiations over a more comprehensive hostage and ceasefire agreement, the Israeli officials said.
• Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant supported the Egyptian idea while ultranationalist ministers Itamar Ben-Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich opposed it, officials said.
• Egyptian officials didn't immediately respond to questions about the proposal.