In a bid to ease ongoing violence, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi has proposed an initial two-day ceasefire in Gaza, aiming to secure the release of four Israeli hostages held by Hamas in exchange for several Palestinian prisoners. Sisi made the announcement alongside Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune in Cairo, highlighting Egypt's role in renewed efforts to negotiate a long-term peace agreement.
This development comes as U.S., Qatari, and Egyptian diplomats work to facilitate dialogue in Doha, where intelligence chiefs from the CIA and Israel's Mossad are in attendance. Sisi indicated that negotiations could resume within 10 days if the ceasefire holds, with hopes of brokering a lasting truce.
No immediate response was made by Israel or Hamas, but sources close to the talks suggest Hamas is willing to consider the proposal, though they maintain that any agreement must ultimately end the ongoing military occupation in Gaza. Israel, for its part, has reiterated that the conflict will not cease until Hamas is fully dismantled as a militant and governing entity.
Since the conflict reignited on October 7, 2023, following Hamas attacks in southern Israel, nearly 43,000 Palestinians have reportedly been killed in Gaza, according to local health officials. The enclave remains severely impacted by air and ground operations, with conditions particularly dire in the northern regions. The United Nations has described the humanitarian crisis as “unbearable,” noting significant casualties, destroyed infrastructure, and extreme shortages of essential supplies, while blaming the blockade on humanitarian aid for exacerbating civilian suffering.
On Sunday, Gaza witnessed intense strikes in Jabalia, Beit Hanoun, and Beit Lahiya, where the Gaza Health Ministry reported over 800 fatalities in recent weeks. An airstrike on Jabalia refugee camp left at least 20 dead, while another attack on a school in Gaza City’s Shati camp killed nine, including three local journalists, and left many critically injured.
Israel’s military stated that over 40 militants were eliminated in the Jabalia area within the past 24 hours and reiterated that operations comply with international law. However, accusations persist that Israeli forces are obstructing aid distribution, while Israel asserts that Hamas diverts humanitarian supplies.
As mediation efforts continue, the international community watches closely, hopeful that Egypt’s proposal may mark the beginning of de-escalation in Gaza.