Egypt has proposed a two-week ceasefire extension for the release of six hostages, following Hamas’s rejection of a related offer. An Israeli delegation may arrive in Cairo to discuss the new terms, with Egypt pressing for a full ceasefire agreement and humanitarian aid access to Gaza amid ongoing tensions.
Egypt has proposed a two-week extension to the current ceasefire, which would involve the release of six hostages: three living and three deceased. This move follows Hamas’s rejection of a previous offer from U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff for a ceasefire during Ramadan. Reports suggest that Egypt is striving to mediate between Israel and Hamas in this ongoing conflict.
The first stage of the ceasefire expired recently without progressing to the next phase. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced that Israel accepted the framework for a temporary ceasefire, which would have initially released half of both living and deceased hostages. However, Hamas labeled this move an attempt to avoid fulfilling the ceasefire agreement.
An Israeli delegation is expected to visit Cairo to discuss the proposal, depending on Netanyahu’s decision. Meanwhile, Egypt maintains its stance that an Israeli withdrawal from the Philadelphi Corridor is necessary for a U.S.-managed security project on the Gaza border. Egyptian officials emphasize the need for all parties to adhere to the ceasefire agreement’s terms.
During a press conference with the European Commissioner for the Mediterranean, Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdel Ati underscored the importance of rapidly entering negotiations for the second phase of the ceasefire agreement. He confirmed that Egypt’s reconstruction plan for Gaza is complete but will only be presented after approval from Arab leaders at the upcoming Arab League summit.
Egyptian officials remain committed to facilitating further negotiations, expressing hope for EU support in maintaining the ceasefire. Abdel Ati also criticized Netanyahu’s decision to restrict humanitarian aid to Gaza, stating that using aid as a means of collective punishment is a violation of international humanitarian law.
Egypt’s proposal for a two-week extension of the ceasefire aims to facilitate further negotiations between Israel and Hamas. While the hostage situation remains critical, the focus is on ensuring humanitarian aid access and reconstructing Gaza. The second phase of negotiations is anticipated to be challenging, but Egypt stresses the necessity of fulfilling the agreed terms to establish lasting peace.
Original Source: allisrael.com
