Egypt is pushing Israel hard to approve a ceasefire proposal that Hamas has already accepted, aiming to halt nearly two years of war in Gaza. At the same time, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has ordered the military to speed up plans for a major operation in Gaza City, raising fears of more violence even as talks continue.
Ceasefire Proposal Gains Momentum
Mediators from Egypt and Qatar have put forward a new plan for a 60-day truce in Gaza. Hamas agreed to it on Monday, marking a key step after months of stalled talks. The proposal includes releasing some hostages held since the October 2023 attacks, in exchange for Palestinian prisoners and more aid into Gaza.
This comes as the Palestinian death toll in Gaza has topped 62,000, according to health officials there. The war started with Hamas attacks that killed about 1,200 people in Israel and took over 250 hostages. Now, with winter approaching, aid groups warn of a humanitarian crisis if fighting ramps up.
Egypt has called on Israel to respond quickly, saying the deal could lead to a prisoner swap and pause the conflict. Reports show the plan is similar to earlier U.S.-backed ideas, with guarantees for aid delivery through groups like the UN and Red Cross.
A Palestinian official said the truce would happen in phases, starting with hostage releases and a partial pullback of Israeli troops. This could open doors for longer-term talks on rebuilding Gaza, where much of the infrastructure lies in ruins.
Netanyahu Focuses on Military Push
Despite the diplomatic efforts, Netanyahu announced on Wednesday that he wants faster action on seizing Gaza City. He praised the troops and noted the call-up of 60,000 reservists to support the operation. Military leaders plan to present full details to him soon.
The Israeli army has already taken initial steps into Gaza City, holding positions on the edges. This move targets what Israel calls the last strongholds of Hamas fighters. Officials say the goal is to defeat the group fully, even as ceasefire talks heat up.
Netanyahu has not rejected the proposal outright, but sources say Israel might not send a team to talks in Qatar or Egypt right away. This stance has sparked debate within his government, with some pushing for a deal to bring hostages home.
The operation could displace many more people in Gaza City, where over a million residents have already fled south. Aid workers fear this will worsen shortages of food, water, and medicine.
Key Players and Internal Pressures
Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer met with Qatari officials in Paris this week to discuss the negotiations. Though no full delegation is planned, this shows some backchannel talks are ongoing.
Inside Israel, tensions are rising. Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich has threatened to quit the government if a ceasefire deal weakens the military push. On the other side, opposition leader Benny Gantz is thinking about rejoining the cabinet, which could shift the balance toward talks.
Here are the main elements of the proposed ceasefire:
- A 60-day pause in fighting to allow aid and talks.
- Release of up to 28 hostages, including some still alive.
- Exchange for Palestinian prisoners held by Israel.
- Partial withdrawal of Israeli forces from key areas.
- Increased humanitarian aid, with 600 trucks entering Gaza daily.
These points aim to build trust and lead to a permanent end to the conflict.
Broader Impacts on the Region
The war has spread beyond Gaza, with clashes in Lebanon and tensions with Iran-backed groups. Recent events include Israeli strikes in Syria and ongoing rocket fire from Hezbollah, adding urgency to a Gaza deal.
Experts say a ceasefire could calm the wider Middle East, where oil prices have spiked due to instability. The U.S. has urged both sides to seize this moment, with envoys working behind the scenes.
In Gaza, rebuilding efforts are estimated to cost billions and take years. The proposal includes plans for reconstruction within five years, funded by international donors.
| Aspect | Details | Potential Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Hostage Release | Up to 28 hostages in phases, including 10 alive | Families reunited, pressure on Hamas eased |
| Troop Withdrawal | Partial pullback from Gaza areas | Reduced fighting, more aid access |
| Aid Delivery | 600 trucks daily, UN oversight | Alleviate famine risks for 2 million people |
| Ceasefire Duration | 60 days initial truce | Time for permanent peace talks |
| Death Toll | Over 62,000 Palestinians, 1,200 Israelis | Urgent need to stop escalation |
This table highlights how the proposal could change the situation on the ground.
Global Reactions and Next Steps
World leaders have welcomed Hamas’s acceptance, with the UN calling it a positive sign. However, Israel’s focus on the military operation has drawn criticism from some allies, who worry about civilian casualties.
As talks continue, the coming days will be crucial. If Israel responds positively, it could lead to the first major breakthrough in months. But if the Gaza City push goes ahead full force, it might derail the process.
Share your thoughts on this developing story in the comments below, and spread the word to keep the conversation going.
