Egypt Proposes Compromise to Constrain Escalating Tensions in Gaza
Egypt has proposed a compromise to extend the cease-fire between Israel and Hamas, reducing the next phase of the truce to two weeks while calling for the release of hostages. Israeli officials denied plans for a delegation to Cairo. As negotiations stall, aid to Gaza remains blocked, raising tensions amidst ongoing violence.
On Sunday, Egypt proposed a compromise aimed at extending the expired cease-fire agreement between Israel and Hamas. This initiative seeks to facilitate negotiations and avert renewed hostilities, suggesting a reduction of the next truce phase from six weeks to two. Under the proposal, Hamas would release three living hostages along with the bodies of three others.
Despite expectations of an Israeli delegation traveling to Cairo for discussions, Israeli officials have refuted such reports. Notably, sources indicate that Israel is currently inclined to refrain from resuming military operations; however, there is no agreement in place as of yet.
The initial cease-fire phase led to the release of numerous hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners and the flow of humanitarian aid into Gaza. Nevertheless, with negotiations for an extension failing to advance, Israel has curtailed humanitarian assistance and sealed all border crossings to the Strip.
According to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office, the latest decision was influenced by Hamas’ rejection of the “Witkoff framework,” a U.S.-backed plan proposing a temporary truce during Ramadan and Passover. This plan entailed the immediate release of half the remaining hostages, contingent on the continuity of negotiations towards a permanent cease-fire.
Hamas has previously dismissed an Israeli proposal to release five living hostages and the bodies of ten others in exchange for Palestinian prisoners and increased humanitarian aid. The group criticized the offer as a breach of prior agreements.
Amid these evolving discussions, tensions remain elevated in Gaza, with recent reports indicating Israeli drone strikes resulted in the deaths of four individuals. The Israel Defense Forces confirmed targeting suspects attempting to plant explosive devices near Israeli troops.
In response to Israel’s decision to halt aid shipments, Hamas condemned the action, describing it as “a reflection of the occupation’s ugly face” and a breach of international law. Hamas representative stated, “Israel decided to starve the people of Gaza.”
Hamas official Mahmoud Mardawi expressed the group’s commitment to pursuing the second phase of the cease-fire, asserting, “The only way to achieve stability in the region and the return of the prisoners is to complete the implementation of the agreement.”
The proposed compromise by Egypt seeks to extend the cease-fire between Israel and Hamas, emphasizing the release of hostages and the reduction of the truce duration. Despite the rejection of previous proposals by Hamas, the ongoing tensions in Gaza highlight the fragile state of negotiations. As humanitarian aid remains blocked, both parties are urged to address the identified gaps to prevent further violence.
Original Source: www.ynetnews.com
