Egypt Proposes Two-Week Ceasefire Extension Amid Ongoing Hostage Negotiations

Egypt has proposed a two-week ceasefire extension contingent on the release of six hostages. After Hamas rejected a U.S.-proposed framework for a temporary ceasefire, Nile diplomatic efforts continue to mediate the conflict. Egyptian officials stress the need for humanitarian aid access and the initiation of negotiations for the next phase of the ceasefire agreement.

Egypt has proposed a two-week extension of the current ceasefire, contingent upon the release of an additional six hostages, comprising three living and three deceased individuals. This proposal seeks to mediate between Israel and Hamas, as reported by Al-Arabi Al-Jadeed. The initial phase of the ceasefire ended without negotiations for its continuation after Hamas rejected U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff’s ceasefire framework.

Following the expiration of the first stage of the ceasefire, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that Israel accepted the proposal for a temporary ceasefire during Ramadan and Passover. Had Hamas accepted the proposal, hostages would have been released in stages—half at commencement and the remainder upon reaching a permanent ceasefire agreement.

Hamas subsequently dismissed the offer, labeling it as a deliberate attempt to avoid negotiation and fulfill ceasefire commitments. Reports indicate that an Israeli delegation may travel to Cairo to consider Egypt’s proposal, pending Netanyahu’s decision. Egyptian officials reiterated their demand for a full Israeli withdrawal from the Philadelphi Corridor in exchange for a U.S.-managed security initiative on Gaza’s border.

During a recent press conference, Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdel Ati emphasized the necessity of fulfilling the ceasefire agreement by all parties involved, detailing that negotiations for the second phase must commence without delay. Abdel Ati also revealed that Egypt’s reconstruction plan for Gaza has been finalized, awaiting presentation at the upcoming Arab League summit, with details to be withheld from external parties until they gain approval from Arab leaders.

The minister condemned Netanyahu’s recent decision to limit humanitarian aid access to Gaza, asserting that any obstruction of aid constitutes a severe violation of international humanitarian law. Abdel Ati expressed hopes that the European Union would advocate for the continuation of the ceasefire, acknowledging the challenges of entering the second stage of negotiations while highlighting the imperative political resolve required to advance them.

In summary, Egypt is striving to negotiate a two-week ceasefire extension that includes the release of additional hostages, responding to challenges between Israel and Hamas. The proposals and negotiations highlighted reflect significant tensions and the intricate nature of the ongoing conflict. Egypt remains committed to supporting humanitarian access and reconstruction efforts while calling for adherence to international law.

Original Source: allisrael.com