In a significant diplomatic move, Egypt’s President Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi announced a proposal for a two-day ceasefire between Israel and Hamas to enable the release of four hostages held in Gaza. The plan also includes the release of some Palestinian prisoners and allows essential humanitarian aid into Gaza.
El-Sissi’s statement, delivered in Cairo, emphasizes Egypt’s role as a mediator in the ongoing conflict, alongside Qatar and the United States. Egypt’s proposal comes as violence escalates, with Israel’s Defense Minister Yoav Gallant indicating that “painful compromises” might be necessary to return hostages.
Meanwhile, tensions in the region are at a peak. Israel’s recent strikes on Iran following an Iranian missile attack highlight the complexity of the conflict. Fears of an all-out regional war persist as both Israel and Iran’s proxies, including Hezbollah in Lebanon, remain engaged.
The United Nations has called for urgent humanitarian aid, as conditions in Gaza’s northern region worsen with Israel’s ground and air offensive continuing. The humanitarian crisis has led the UN Secretary-General to call the situation “unbearable” for Palestinian civilians.
