A delegation of the Palestinian militant group Hamas was in Cairo for cease-fire talks with Israel, as Egyptian state media reported progress but an Israeli official downplayed the prospects for a full end to the war in Gaza. Pressure has mounted to reach a deal halting the nearly 7-month-long conflict, with a U.N. official warning of full-blown famine in northern Gaza. Egypt and U.S. mediators have reported signs of compromise, but the key question remains whether Israel will accept an end to the war without destroying Hamas.
Egypt’s state-owned Al-Qahera News TV channel reported a consensus on many disputed points in the talks, while Hamas has called for a complete end to the war and withdrawal of all Israeli forces from Gaza. A senior Israeli official expressed skepticism about a full end to the war, emphasizing Israel’s commitment to an offensive in Rafah. The proposed Egyptian-mediated three-stage process includes an immediate six-week cease-fire, a partial release of Israeli hostages, and some sort of Israeli pullout, starting with the release of female civilian hostages by Hamas.
The war has caused significant devastation in Gaza, with more than 34,000 Palestinians killed, according to local health officials, and an unprecedented humanitarian crisis. The conflict erupted when Hamas attacked southern Israel, resulting in abductions and killings. Israeli strikes in Gaza have continued, with casualties reported in Rafah and the Nuseirat refugee camp. The Israeli military claims to have killed thousands of militants and carried out mass arrests in Gaza, prompting calls for an investigation by the International Criminal Court.
In related developments, Israel briefed the Biden administration on plans to evacuate civilians ahead of an operation in Rafah, a move that could put hundreds of thousands at risk. The U.N. World Food Program has warned of famine in the most cut-off part of Gaza and emphasized the urgent need for a cease-fire and increased aid flow. Israel recently opened new crossings for aid into northern Gaza, but faced challenges when Israeli settlers blocked a convoy before it reached the enclave, which was later commandeered by Hamas militants.
The conflict in Gaza has escalated to the point where a cease-fire deal hangs in the balance, with ongoing negotiations and potential for a partial release of Israeli hostages. The international community is closely watching the situation, with calls for an end to the violence and deeper humanitarian aid efforts. The stakes are high as civilian casualties continue to rise, and the need for a resolution to the conflict remains urgent for all parties involved. Stay tuned for more updates on the ongoing war in Gaza.
