Egypt has proposed a two-week extension of the cease-fire between Israel and Hamas, including terms for the release of hostages. Discussions for a potential Israeli delegation to Cairo were denied by Israeli officials. Tensions persist in Gaza with ongoing military operations and halted humanitarian aid, raising concerns regarding the conflict’s next steps.
Egypt has proposed a compromise to extend the cease-fire agreement between Israel and Hamas, which recently expired. According to Egyptian sources reported in the Qatari newspaper Al-Araby Al-Jadeed, the proposal suggests shortening the next stage of the truce from six weeks to two. It also includes terms for the release of three living hostages and the remains of three others.
Israeli officials were initially expected to visit Cairo to engage in talks regarding the cease-fire extension. However, an Israeli official has since denied that such a delegation was set to travel to Egypt, indicating that while discussions may be delayed, Israel is keen to avoid a resumption of military actions for the time being.
The first phase of the cease-fire resulted in the release of numerous hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners and facilitated humanitarian aid to Gaza. However, with the current negotiations facing obstacles, Israel has ceased humanitarian aid and closed all border crossings into the territory.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office attributed the halting of aid to Hamas’ rejection of the “Witkoff framework,” a proposal originating from the United States for a temporary cease-fire during significant religious observances. The plan aimed for the immediate release of half of the hostages on the first day of the truce negotiation, with further releases conditional on a permanent cease-fire.
Meanwhile, tensions in Gaza have intensified, with reports from the Hamas-affiliated Quds News Network indicating that four individuals were killed in Israeli drone strikes. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) stated that their aircraft targeted suspects who were attempting to place an explosive device near Israeli forces in the northern Gaza region.
Hamas has condemned Israel’s blockade on aid shipments, arguing that it represents an inhumane effort to harm the citizens of Gaza and violates international law. A spokesperson from Hamas remarked, “Israel decided to starve the people of Gaza.”
Hamas official Mahmoud Mardawi affirmed the group’s commitment to progressing toward a second phase of the cease-fire agreement, stating, “The only way to achieve stability in the region and the return of the prisoners is to complete the implementation of the agreement.”
In summary, Egypt’s proposal seeks to extend the cease-fire between Israel and Hamas amid rising tensions and halted humanitarian aid. As negotiations stall, both parties face significant challenges, including the refusal of certain frameworks and increasing military activities. The situation remains precarious as each side navigates the complexities of their demands and the necessity for humanitarian considerations.
Original Source: www.ynetnews.com
