Hamas Delegation to Visit Cairo on Monday for Gaza Ceasefire Talks

A Hamas delegation is set to visit Egypt’s capital city, Cairo on Monday to restart ceasefire talks amid the ongoing Gaza war, which has killed over 34,000 Palestinians and displaced most of the 2.3 million population. Israel is considering a ground assault on the southern city of Rafah, where more than half of Gaza's population has sought refuge after fleeing Israeli bombardment elsewhere.

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas has warned that the planned Israeli attack on Rafah could result in the "biggest catastrophe in the Palestinian people's history" and force much of the population to flee toward the Egyptian border. Abbas called on the United States to intervene and stop Israel from carrying out the assault, stating that the U.S. is the only country capable of preventing this "crime."

Why this matters: The potential Israeli assault on Rafah threatens to further escalate the humanitarian crisis, with Saudi Arabia mediating ceasefire negotiations between Israel and Gaza. The international community is closely watching the situation, with diplomatic efforts underway to broker a ceasefire and prevent a catastrophic loss of civilian life.

Egypt has intensified efforts to mediate a deal between Israel and Hamas, focusing on a multi-phase plan that would include a limited exchange of hostages held by Hamas for Palestinian prisoners in Israel, as well as a six-week cessation of hostilities. Hamas says it is examining Israel's latest ceasefire proposals but has stated that it will not back down from its demands for a permanent ceasefire and full withdrawal of Israeli troops from Gaza.

The United States and other G7 countries have opposed a full-scale Israeli military operation in Rafah, citing the potential for catastrophic civilian casualties. The U.S. military has begun construction of an offshore loading platform to help deliver more aid to Gaza, while the U.K. government is reportedly considering deploying troops to drive aid trucks.

Residents of Rafah are living in "constant terror" and fear of repeated displacement and invasion, with some deciding to flee the city before the expected Israeli assault. The situation in Rafah is dire, with people struggling to find safe places to shelter and facing unbearable living conditions in overcrowded displacement camps.

The Gaza health ministry has reported at least 34,454 Palestinian deaths and 77,575 injuries since the conflict began on October 7, 2023. In the past 24 hours alone, an estimated 66 Palestinians were killed and 138 injured in Israeli military operations. Hamas released a video showing two Israeli hostages, Keith Siegel and Omri Miran, pleading for their release. Israel's military says 129 hostages seized on October 7th are still being held in Gaza, with 34 dead.

Key Takeaways

• Hamas delegation to visit Saudi Arabia to restart Gaza ceasefire talks.
• Israel considering ground assault on Rafah, which could displace most of Gaza.
• Egypt mediating ceasefire deal, including prisoner exchange and 6-week truce.
• US, G7 oppose full-scale Israeli assault on Rafah due to civilian casualties.
• Conflict has killed over 34,000 Palestinians, 129 Israeli hostages still held.