In Cairo, both Hamas and Israel set their positions on Wednesday as they prepared for anticipated negotiations over a ceasefire proposal backed by the United States. Hamas displayed a willingness to engage in the talks, although the Israeli Prime Minister firmly stated that Hamas would not be present in post-conflict Gaza.
Despite the announcement of a ceasefire by the U.S. President on Tuesday, neither party accepted the proposal outright. Hamas reiterated its position that any agreement must lead to an end to the conflict in Gaza. The U.S. President emphasized that Israel had agreed to a 60-day ceasefire and urged Hamas to accept the terms before the situation worsened. The proposal is seen as a way to halt hostilities and facilitate discussions on ending the prolonged conflict, although Israel maintains it will not agree to an end until Hamas is dismantled. A resolution remains possible in the coming week, but challenges persist with Hamas emphasizing the need for a war cessation.
A Hamas official expressed the group’s readiness to negotiate a settlement that would conclusively end the war. They sought discussions in Cairo with mediators from Egypt and Qatar to develop the proposal further, according to an unnamed Egyptian source.
Disagreement over how to conclude the conflict has persisted throughout the nearly 21-month-long war. Talks to establish a ceasefire have frequently stalled as both sides disagree on terms for ending hostilities.
On Wednesday, Hamas stated it would continue talks with mediators to overcome differences and return to negotiations. They have reportedly offered to release the remaining hostages in exchange for an Israeli withdrawal and war cessation, a proposal Israel counters with demands for complete Hamas disarmament and exile.
The Israeli Prime Minister emphasized the refusal to include Hamas in any future arrangements. An Israeli insider revealed that the current proposal includes a temporary Israeli withdrawal and increased humanitarian aid, although there was no commitment to end the war within the 60-day timeframe.
The proposal’s details, such as the potential release of hostages, remain uncertain, but earlier ideas included freeing around 10 hostages. Families affected by the conflict expressed hope for progress, urging global influence to bring an end to the war and secure hostages’ return.
Political engagements continue as the U.S. President is set to host the Israeli Prime Minister for discussions. Meanwhile, social media posts emphasize that terms for the ceasefire have been finalized, with strong warnings that conditions may deteriorate further if negotiations falter.
The ongoing regional conflict has resulted in severe casualties, with Gaza’s health authorities reporting a death toll that surpassed 57,000, mostly women and children, following relentless airstrikes. The Israeli military attributes civilian casualties to Hamas’s operational tactics within densely populated areas.
The war, initiated by attacks from Hamas in early October, has left Gaza severely damaged, displacing over 90% of its population, and creating a desperate humanitarian crisis reminiscent of its longstanding plight.
Tragedies continue with reports of critical losses within Gaza’s medical community, including the death of a prominent hospital director in an airstrike. Medical facilities remain crucial yet vulnerable lifelines amidst the destruction.
Additionally, recent strikes have reported casualties around locales sheltering displaced persons, as tensions and violence continue to exacerbate the humanitarian situation.
In parallel developments, Israeli forces claimed responsibility for the recent elimination of two Hamas members tied to a past attack, reflecting ongoing hostilities despite ceasefire discussions.