Egypt Proposes 2-Day Gaza Ceasefire, Hostage Release

Egypt’s president has put forward a proposal for a two-day cease-fire between Israel and Hamas, aimed at the release of four hostages held in Gaza. The plan also includes provisions for the release of some Palestinian prisoners and the delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza, according to President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, who emphasized that the proposal seeks to “move the situation forward.” The ongoing talks, supported by Qatar and other mediators, aim to make the cease-fire lasting.

Efforts for a longer, phased cease-fire have been slow to progress, largely due to Hamas’ demand for Israeli troop withdrawal from Gaza as a precondition. Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has maintained that forces will remain until Hamas is defeated. There has not been a cease-fire since a temporary one in November, early in the conflict.

On Sunday, Israel’s Mossad chief traveled to Doha for talks with Qatar’s prime minister and the CIA director, continuing efforts to resolve the conflict and reduce rising regional tensions following Hamas’ October 7, 2023, attack on southern Israel. The situation now involves Israel in conflicts with both Hamas in Gaza and Hezbollah in Lebanon, with recent Israeli strikes also targeting Iran.

At a recent memorial marking the Hebrew anniversary of the October 7 attack, Israel’s Defense Minister Yoav Gallant noted that “not every goal can be achieved through only military operations” and stressed that “painful compromises will be required” to secure the return of the hostages. During the event, Prime Minister Netanyahu’s speech was interrupted by protesters who criticized his handling of security and the hostage situation, accusing him of responsibility.

Inside Gaza, recent Israeli airstrikes in the northern region killed at least 33 people, mostly women and children, according to Palestinian officials, as Israel’s offensive in the heavily impacted area continued into its third week. The U.N. secretary-general has described the situation for Palestinians there as “unbearable,” while Israel stated its strikes were aimed at militants.