Hamas Reviewing New Israeli Cease-Fire Proposal as Egypt Intensifies Mediation Efforts

Hamas is currently reviewing a new Israeli proposal for a ceasefire in Gaza, as Egypt intensifies its efforts to broker a deal to end the months-long war and prevent a possible Israeli ground offensive in Rafah. The Egyptian delegation, led by intelligence chief Abbas Kamel, arrived in Israel on Friday to jump-start stalled negotiations, which have focused on a limited prisoner exchange and the return of displaced Palestinians to their homes in northern Gaza.

Egypt has cautioned that an Israeli offensive into Rafah could have catastrophic humanitarian consequences, with over 80% of Gaza's population already displaced by the ongoing conflict. Israel has massed troops and tanks near Rafah, where it says many remaining Hamas militants are located, despite calls for restraint from the international community. A recent Israeli airstrike in Rafah killed six people, including four children.

Hamas has said it is open to any "ideas or suggestions" that address the needs of the Palestinian people, such as an end to Israeli attacks, the return of displaced people, and an Israeli withdrawal. However, the group has also maintained its demand for a permanent cease-fire and full withdrawal of Israeli troops, both of which Israel has rejected.

Why this matters: The Gaza war, now in its sixth month, has resulted in the deaths of over 34,000 Palestinians, mostly civilians and children, and at least 260 Israeli soldiers. The conflict has also led to the displacement of a significant portion of Gaza's population and has escalated regional tensions, with Hezbollah carrying out attacks on the Israel-Lebanon border.

According to a U.S. official, the current ceasefire proposal meets almost all of Hamas' demands. The White House national security adviser, Jake Sullivan, sees fresh momentum in the talks, with Qatar and Egypt involved alongside Israel. Israel has reportedly told Egyptian mediators that it is ready to give negotiations on the release of captives "one last chance" before potentially moving forward with a ground invasion of Rafah.

The ongoing conflict in Gaza has drawn international attention and concern, with protests over the war spreading across universities in France and the United States. The UN has also closed one case and suspended four others related to allegations that 19 members of the UN agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA) participated in the October 7 Hamas attacks, due to a lack of evidence from Israel.

Key Takeaways

• Hamas reviewing new Israeli ceasefire proposal as Egypt mediates talks to end Gaza war.
• Egypt warns Israeli ground offensive in Rafah could have catastrophic humanitarian consequences.
• Hamas open to proposals addressing Palestinian needs, but demands permanent ceasefire and Israeli withdrawal.
• Gaza war has killed over 34,000 Palestinians, displaced many, and escalated regional tensions.
• UN suspends cases against UNRWA staff over October 7 Hamas attacks due to lack of evidence.