Hamas: Gaza ceasefire possible in 24-48 hours if Israel agrees

Egypt is poised to mediate a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas amid a devastating conflict that has spanned nearly five months, resulting in significant loss of life in Gaza. A senior Hamas official indicated to AFP that discussions in Cairo would revolve around a six-week pause in hostilities, following signals that Israel is inclined to accept the proposed terms. This development comes as officials from the United States, Qatar, and representatives of Hamas convene in Cairo, with a mutual urgency to finalize a ceasefire before the onset of Ramadan.

The potential truce hinges on Israel’s agreement to Hamas’s conditions, which include withdrawing military forces from Gaza and enhancing humanitarian assistance. These negotiations occur against the backdrop of recent violence, with Gaza’s health ministry reporting the deaths of 90 Palestinians in the last day alone, including a family of 14 in Rafah.

The humanitarian situation in Gaza is dire, with reports of children dying from malnutrition as access to essential supplies remains constrained. In response, the United States has initiated airdrops of aid into Gaza, supplementing limited land deliveries with food, medicine, and fuel.

Details of the ceasefire proposal suggest that it could commence immediately, contingent upon Hamas’s release of specific groups of hostages. The United States has outlined a “framework deal” for the ceasefire that Israel seems to accept, though official confirmation and specifics regarding Israel’s participation in the Cairo talks remain pending.

The broader international community, including the UN Security Council, has expressed concern over the escalating humanitarian crisis, urging all parties to protect civilians and facilitate the delivery of humanitarian aid. Amidst these diplomatic efforts, Israel continues its military operations in Gaza, targeting what it describes as terrorist infrastructure and militants, while the impact on civilians and the infrastructure remains a point of contention.

The ongoing conflict, which ignited with a Hamas attack on Israel on October 7, has seen a significant toll on human life and well-being, underscoring the urgent need for a durable resolution that addresses the root causes of the conflict and ensures the safety and security of all affected populations.