Egypt’s Proposal for Cease-Fire Extension Amid Gaza Tensions

Egypt has put forward a compromise to extend a cease-fire agreement with Hamas, aiming to prevent renewed hostilities. The proposal includes shortening the truce to two weeks and stipulates the release of three hostages and three bodies. Meanwhile, tensions rise as negotiations stall, and Israel has ceased humanitarian aid amidst its military operations in Gaza.

Egypt has proposed a compromise to extend the expired cease-fire agreement between Israel and Hamas, aiming to facilitate negotiations and avert further hostilities. The proposed initiative, as reported by Al-Araby Al-Jadeed, involves reducing the next truce phase from six weeks to two, with the expectation of releasing three living hostages and the bodies of three deceased individuals.

While sources indicated that Israeli officials were expected to visit Cairo shortly for further discussions, they denied any planned delegation. There are indications that Israel is currently inclined to avoid reinitiating military operations, but a formal agreement has not yet been established.

The initial phase of the cease-fire saw the release of numerous hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners and humanitarian assistance to Gaza. However, as negotiations for an extension stalled, Israel has ceased the provision of aid and closed border crossings into the enclave.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office stated that the halt in humanitarian assistance was in response to Hamas’ rejection of the “Witkoff framework,” a U.S.-proposed temporary truce intended for the concurrent observance of Ramadan and Passover. This plan suggested that half of the remaining hostages be released initially, with the remainder freed contingent on the success of negotiations toward a permanent cease-fire.

Hamas rejected a separate Israeli proposal, which required the release of five living hostages and the bodies of ten others in exchange for Palestinian prisoners and augmented humanitarian aid, regarding it as a violation of previous agreements. Meanwhile, tensions in Gaza escalated, with reports from the Hamas-affiliated Quds News Network indicating that four individuals were killed in Israeli drone strikes on Sunday.

The Israel Defense Forces confirmed targeting suspects assembling explosives near Israeli troops in northern Gaza, asserting that they would maintain operations to neutralize threats to Israeli citizens and military personnel. Hamas condemned Israel’s decision to restrict aid shipments, calling it a manifestation of occupation and a breach of international law. A spokesperson for Hamas stated, “Israel decided to starve the people of Gaza.”

Hamas official Mahmoud Mardawi expressed the group’s commitment to executing a second phase of the cease-fire, stating, “The only way to achieve stability in the region and the return of the prisoners is to complete the implementation of the agreement,” as reported to AFP.

In conclusion, Egypt’s proposed compromise seeks to extend the cease-fire between Israel and Hamas while addressing ongoing concerns about hostages. Despite stalled negotiations leading to halted humanitarian aid, both parties face significant pressures to find common ground. The situation in Gaza remains tense, emphasizing the urgent need for effective dialogue and resolution strategies to facilitate peace in the region.

Original Source: www.ynetnews.com