Egypt has proposed a new ceasefire deal to Israel and Hamas, aiming to end hostilities. Hamas would release five Israeli hostages in exchange for a 40-day ceasefire. Both Egyptian and EU officials stress the importance of negotiations and adherence to humanitarian laws amid the ongoing violence, which has already claimed numerous lives in Gaza and resulted in attacks within Israel.
Egypt has actively engaged in diplomatic efforts by submitting a new proposal to both Israel and Hamas to restore the ceasefire in Gaza. According to informed sources, the proposal includes terms whereby Hamas would release five living Israeli hostages, which notably includes an Israeli-American soldier, in exchange for a ceasefire lasting 40 days. This tactical pause is intended to facilitate further discussions concerning the next phases of the ceasefire agreement.
Hamas has reportedly accepted Egypt’s proposal, although there has been no indicated response from the Israeli side at this time. Concurrently, Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty and European Union High Representative for Foreign Affairs, Kaja Kallas, have publicly emphasized the importance of returning to ceasefire negotiations. Abdelatty affirmed that engaging in dialogue is essential for the release of all Israeli detainees and condemned the continuation of Israeli military operations against civilians.
During a joint press conference, Kallas articulated the EU’s grave concerns regarding the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, stressing that hostilities must cease and negotiations must resume. She reinforced the necessity for humanitarian law to be upheld to ensure the safety and well-being of civilians while facilitating the flow of aid into the region. The situation remains critical, with the renewed Israeli strikes in Gaza leading to a rising death toll amid escalating violence.
Notably, on the same day of the proposal, an attack occurred in northern Israel, resulting in the death of a 75-year-old individual and injuries to another. This incident marks the first attack within Israel since its military operations in Gaza intensified following the breakdown of the ceasefire. Police have categorized this as a terrorist act, asserting that officers neutralized the assailant swiftly. The severity of these incidents highlights the ongoing tension and violence stemming from the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
In summary, Egypt’s recent proposal for a renewed ceasefire presents a potential path for dialogue between Israel and Hamas, with a focus on humanitarian concerns and the release of hostages. The urgent call for resumption of negotiations by both Egyptian officials and the EU reflects the increasing international concern regarding the humanitarian situation in Gaza. The situation remains any critical escalatory point following recent violence in both Gaza and Israel, emphasizing the need for immediate diplomatic efforts to restore peace and order.
Original Source: gulfnews.com
