And Al-Zubayr, regarding this, agreed to intensify the fighting and divided the men around the trench. Al-A'raj attacked the fortress with a catapult, then negotiated with the people regarding surrender. Al-Muqawqis wanted to surrender, especially because of the religious grudges between him and the Romans. He did not dare to openly declare his desire because his men were not all from his party, especially Al-A'raj. Seeing the Arabs' courage, their patience in fighting, and their eagerness for it, he feared that they would overcome his men, resulting in a double loss. So, he took his men to the western gate of the fortress on the bank of the Nile and crossed with them over the bridge to the island. Then Al-A'raj followed him and left only a small number of his men in the fortress. The Arabs were unaware. When the conquest was delayed, Al-Zubayr said, "I have asked God for victory, and I hope that God will grant victory to the Muslims through this." So he crossed the trench and placed a ladder next to the fortress's wall from the direction of the market. He informed Amr that when they heard his takbir (Allahu Akbar), they should consider it a victory. Before he knew it, Al-Zubayr was at the head of the fortress, which they almost broke due to its strength. The people attacked the fortress, then he said takbir, and the people said takbir with him, and those outside responded. Those inside the fortress thought that all the Arabs had come, so they fled. Al-Zubayr and his companions went to the fortress gate, opened it, stormed the fortress, and took possession of it. Then they went to the Copts and pursued them to the island. As for these, they went to their governor. After they crossed the Nile, they raised the bridge, so they could not be pursued, as they could not cross the Nile. The Arabs stopped surrounding it, so they were surrounded from all sides. When Al-Muqawqis saw this, he sent a letter to Amr, the text of which was: "O people, you have come to our land and are fighting us, and you have stayed in our land for a long time. Now, a group of Romans has come to you with equipment and weapons, and the Nile surrounds you. You are prisoners in our hands. So send us some men from you so we can hear their words. Perhaps a peace will be established between us and you that you and we will like, and fighting will cease between us and you before the Romans' hunger overwhelms you, and words will be of no use, and we will not be able to do anything. If you regret my refusal of your request and your hope, send us some of your companions, and we will deal with them in a way that satisfies you and us." Al-Muqawqis sent messengers to Amr, who kept them with him for two days and two nights until he feared for them. When Amr wanted them to see the condition of the Muslims, Amr sent back the messengers and wrote to Al-Muqawqis: "There is nothing between me and you except one of two things."