Diplomatic frenzy escalates for Israel-Hamas ceasefire

In Cairo, international mediators and representatives from Hamas are in discussions for a potential ceasefire to interrupt nearly five months of conflict in Gaza before Ramadan starts next week. These talks, attended by envoys from the U.S., Qatar, and Egypt, are focusing on establishing a six-week truce, facilitating a prisoner exchange involving hostages held by Hamas since their October 7 assault, and increasing aid to Gaza.

Israeli delegates have not participated in these negotiations despite increasing calls for a ceasefire before the commencement of Ramadan. Reports suggest Israel’s absence is due to Hamas’s failure to provide a list of living hostages.

Bassem Naim, a senior Hamas leader, has pointed fingers at Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for the stagnation in talks, stating that the responsibility to halt the war before Ramadan lies with the United States.

With Gaza under siege and facing a humanitarian crisis, including a looming famine threat, the U.S. has expressed deep concerns regarding the situation. Vice President Kamala Harris voiced her worries during a discussion with Israeli cabinet member Benny Gantz, particularly about the dire humanitarian conditions in Gaza. This conversation followed a World Health Organization report detailing the dire state in northern Gaza hospitals, including child fatalities due to starvation.

Meanwhile, fighting persists in Gaza with Israeli airstrikes targeting the vicinity of the European Hospital in Hamad, near Khan Yunis, and the Israeli army conducting raids and capturing fighters from Hamas and Islamic Jihad. The Health Ministry in Gaza reported a significant number of casualties overnight, primarily women and children, amidst continuing destruction in Khan Yunis.

In the backdrop of this ongoing conflict, tensions have risen between Israel and the United Nations following Israel’s decision to recall its ambassador over the UN’s handling of sexual assault allegations against Hamas militants during the October attack. The UN has released a report acknowledging the occurrence of sexual violence during the Hamas assault, including the rape and killing of victims.

At the center of humanitarian relief efforts in Gaza, UNRWA faces allegations from Israel of employing over 450 “terrorists,” a claim for which UNRWA’s head, Phillipe Lazzarini, says Israel has provided no evidence.

The conflict has also ignited violence across the region, including exchanges between Israeli forces and Hezbollah. U.S. envoy Amos Hochstein, after discussions in Beirut, emphasized that a temporary ceasefire is insufficient for resolving the hostilities, highlighting the necessity for a comprehensive diplomatic solution.