Tel Aviv, Israel – Amid ongoing ceasefire negotiations for Gaza, a Hamas delegation traveled to Cairo on Saturday, with reports of progress in the talks. However, Israel has yet to send its own delegation, with a senior Israeli official expressing skepticism about a full end to the war and underscoring their commitment to invading Rafah.
The pressure to reach a deal to halt the nearly seven-month-long conflict has intensified as the situation in northern Gaza worsens. The United Nations has declared a “full-blown famine” in the region, while the United States has raised concerns about Israel’s planned offensive in Rafah, where over a million Palestinians are seeking shelter.
Recent reports from Egyptian and U.S. mediators suggest some signs of compromise, but the possibility of a ceasefire deal remains contingent upon whether Israel is willing to end the conflict without achieving its goal of dismantling Hamas, the militant group in control of Gaza.
Egyptian state media mentioned progress on disputed points in the negotiations without providing further details. Hamas has been pushing for a complete cessation of hostilities and the withdrawal of all Israeli forces from Gaza.
Despite some optimism from mediators, a senior Israeli official, speaking on condition of anonymity, downplayed the likelihood of a comprehensive resolution to the conflict. The official emphasized Israel’s commitment to the invasion of Rafah and reiterated the government’s stance against ending the war prematurely.
The proposals put forth by Egyptian mediators outline a three-stage process that includes an immediate six-week ceasefire, partial release of Israeli hostages, and a potential Israeli withdrawal. The initial phase, lasting 40 days, involves the release of female civilian hostages by Hamas in exchange for Palestinian prisoners held by Israel.
The ongoing conflict has taken a devastating toll, with over 34,000 Palestinians killed, widespread destruction, and a deepening humanitarian crisis. The war, which began on Oct. 7, has been marked by violence on both sides, leading to a tragic loss of life and significant civilian suffering.
In light of escalating tensions and the urgent need for humanitarian assistance, international organizations have called for immediate action to address the dire situation in Gaza. The United Nations has warned of the imminent risk of death facing hundreds of thousands of civilians if Israel proceeds with its military operations in densely populated areas like Rafah.
As the conflict continues to unfold, concerns persist about the welfare of civilians caught in the crossfire and the long-term implications of the protracted violence. Efforts to reach a ceasefire agreement remain critical to safeguarding the lives and well-being of all individuals affected by the conflict.