Egypt and Qatar are working to reinforce the Gaza ceasefire amid escalating Israeli airstrikes that have resulted in significant casualties. Discussions include recovery plans for Gaza and an impending international conference. The humanitarian situation continues to deteriorate as the death toll rises.
Egypt and Qatar have collaborated to reinforce the ceasefire agreement between Hamas and Israel amidst renewed Israeli airstrikes on Gaza, resulting in hundreds of casualties. This dialogue included a phone call between Egypt’s Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty and Qatar’s Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani, focusing on developments in Gaza and the phases of the ceasefire agreement.
They also addressed the promotion of an Arab-Islamic initiative aimed at the early recovery of Gaza, along with planning for an international conference to aid in its reconstruction. The urgency of these discussions is heightened by Israel’s extensive airstrikes commencing Tuesday, claiming the lives of over 500 individuals in just two days.
As of now, the Israeli military is conducting ground operations in Gaza’s central and southern regions, particularly targeting the Netzarim Corridor. According to Gaza’s health ministry statistics, the death toll in the last 48 hours has reached 506, including numerous civilians, bringing the total casualties since the outbreak of the conflict in October 2023 to over 49,600.
In light of these tragic events, Egypt and Qatar have intensified their initiatives to uphold the ceasefire that they, along with the US, brokered to mitigate the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, which has been severely impacted by war and famine conditions. However, the ceasefire that began on January 19 is now at risk due to ongoing hostilities, creating uncertainty for the captives in Hamas’ possession.
Recent Israeli airstrikes have also targeted UN facilities, resulting in injuries and a fatality among international humanitarian workers. Additionally, Hamas has signaled willingness to release captives if it ensures the cessation of hostilities. In contrast, Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu has declared that military actions against Hamas will continue and future negotiations will only occur under increased military pressure.
The collaborative efforts between Egypt and Qatar to maintain the ceasefire in Gaza are crucial amidst escalating military actions by Israel. The humanitarian crisis has worsened significantly with substantial casualties reported in recent days. Ongoing discussions aim not only to reinforce the ceasefire but also to support long-term recovery and reconstruction efforts in Gaza, despite the complexities and risks involved.
Original Source: www.egypttoday.com
