The recent discussions held in Cairo aimed at reinstating the halted ceasefire in Gaza and securing the release of Israeli hostages concluded without any significant progress, as reported by Palestinian and Egyptian sources.
According to these sources, Hamas remains firm in its stance that any new agreement must lead to an ending of hostilities in Gaza. In contrast, Israel has renewed its military operations in the area, stating it will not cease until Hamas is effectively dismantled. Reflecting on this deadlock, an Israeli minister articulated the government’s commitment, insisting, “We will continue our campaign until our security needs are met.”
In the latest proposal, as revealed by an Egyptian source to Reuters, Hamas could release a greater number of hostages in exchange for a potential extension of the truce. Israeli Minister Zeev Elkin, part of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s security cabinet, mentioned on Army Radio that Israel is now pushing for the release of approximately ten hostages, increasing from five which was previously suggested by Hamas.
The militant group has requested additional time to consider this latest proposal, with the Egyptian source stating, “Hamas has no issues with the plan, but it seeks assurances that Israel will engage in discussions regarding the next phase of the ceasefire agreement to bring an end to the war.”
During the first phase of the ceasefire that commenced in January, Hamas released 33 Israeli hostages in exchange for hundreds of Palestinian detainees. However, the anticipated second phase, scheduled to start in early March, has yet to be implemented.
Since resuming military operations last month, Israeli forces have claimed more than 1,500 Palestinian lives, with many being civilians, and displaced hundreds of thousands, enforcing a total blockade on the Gaza enclave. Currently, 59 Israeli hostages remain in the custody of militants, with Israel estimating that up to 24 of them are alive.
Airstrikes in Gaza persist, and residents report that the recent intensification of attacks has been among the most devastating of the ongoing conflict, impacting a weary population struggling to survive amidst the ruins. In Jabalia, located on Gaza’s northern edge, rescue teams, dressed in orange vests, were desperately trying to clear concrete debris from collapsed buildings, hoping to recover victims buried below. Witnesses noted that about 25 fatalities were possible from a recent strike, which the Israeli military justified as a response to militants plotting an ambush.
In Khan Younis to the south, an airstrike left a makeshift camp in ruins, with families sifting through the debris to salvage their possessions. Ismail al-Raqab recounted his experience: “We used to live in homes. Now, even our tents have been destroyed. We’re left without shelter.”
Leaders from Egypt and Qatar, who have been pivotal in mediating ceasefire negotiations, met in Doha recently. Reports indicate that Egypt’s President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi has called for additional international guarantees for any future truce, beyond the assurances already provided by Egypt and Qatar.
On a related note, the European Union has introduced a new financial support package for the Palestinians, which amounts to €1.6 billion over three years. EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas expressed, “This support is essential for stabilizing the West Bank and Gaza, and highlights our commitment to assisting the Palestinian people.”
U.S. President Donald Trump, who has advocated for Israel’s military actions and suggested that the Palestinian population should evacuate, commented last week about advancements in the efforts to return hostages, emphasizing hope amidst the ongoing turmoil.
The conflict erupted following Hamas’ attack on southern Israel on October 7, 2023, resulting in approximately 1,200 fatalities and 251 individuals taken hostage, as per Israeli reports. Since then, local health authorities report that more than 50,900 Palestinians have lost their lives in the continued Israeli military offensive.
As the situation unfolds, it is critical for the international community to remain engaged and explore avenues for dialogue, emphasizing the tragic human cost of the ongoing conflict.
Edited By Ali Musa
Axadle Times International – Monitoring.
