Egypt has proposed a 60-day Gaza ceasefire, including hostage release and negotiations to end the conflict. Initial responses from Hamas are positive, and Israel is considering the proposals. The plan seeks to undo the current deadlock and includes humanitarian aid provisions to Gaza. Recent talks with the US have sparked new diplomatic efforts related to the ongoing strife.
Egypt has proposed a 60-day ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, coupled with a plan for the release of hostages held by militants, to resolve the ongoing deadlock in Gaza. Sources revealed the proposals, discussed in Cairo, indicate that Hamas’s initial feedback was positive. Israel has responded by sending a delegation to Qatar to facilitate further negotiation efforts, signifying a possible path to break the impasse that has persisted since March 1 when the previous ceasefire expired.
Under Egypt’s new initiative, Hamas is expected to commence a two-month truce by releasing 10 living hostages, which may include some Americans. The recent exchanges underscore Israel’s obligation to release a number of Palestinians held in its prisons as part of the hostages’ release. Furthermore, the proposals stipulate that Israel should reverse its recent ban on humanitarian assistance to Gaza, allowing aid supplies to enter the region.
The proposal encompasses plans to initiate negotiations on an Israeli withdrawal from Gaza and formalize a permanent ceasefire to conclude the conflict. Notably, a previous ceasefire saw the release of hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners, but negotiations for subsequent agreements faced complications; Israel offered a temporary extension instead of advancing further talks.
The latest conflict, ignited by a Hamas assault on Israel in October 2023, resulted in substantial casualties on both sides, with significant destruction in Gaza. In light of ongoing diplomacy, the White House recently confirmed unprecedented direct talks with Hamas after years of US refusal to engage with the group. President Trump also warned of severe repercussions for Gaza if hostages are not released, exacerbating tensions further.
Competing initiatives to address the crisis have emerged, highlighting international interest in Gaza’s future. An Egyptian $53 billion reconstruction plan has gained endorsement from several nations, aiming to restore governance under the Palestinian Authority and finance reconstruction through a trust fund. This plan marks a significant diplomatic push amid complex geopolitical tensions in the region.
Egypt’s proposed 60-day ceasefire aims to facilitate the release of hostages held by Hamas and reignite negotiations towards a peaceful resolution in Gaza. The plan has garnered initial positive responses from both Hamas and Israel, presenting a tentative pathway out of the ongoing conflict. Continued international engagement and competing proposals underline the urgency and complexity of achieving stability in the region.
Original Source: www.thenationalnews.com
