Two-Day Truce In Gaza Proposed By Egypt, Alongside Hostage Release

Alifiya H Ujjainwala
Alifiya H Ujjainwala October 28, 2024

Egypt proposes 2-day truce in Gaza

In a devastating turn of events over the weekend, Israeli forces killed 53 individuals in Gaza and 21 in Lebanon. UN Secretary-General António Guterres expressed deep concern regarding the scale of casualties and destruction in Gaza, where over 1,000 people, mostly women and children, have reportedly lost their lives during Israel’s 24-day military campaign.

Also, on Sunday, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi suggested a two-day ceasefire in Gaza, aiming to facilitate an exchange of four Israeli hostages held by Hamas for some Palestinian prisoners. This announcement comes as Israeli airstrikes have resulted in the deaths of 45 Palestinians in the region. Following this exchange, further negotiations are planned to take place within ten days, as stated by Sisi during a news conference in Cairo.

Reportedly, a Palestinian official involved in the mediation process noted that while Hamas might entertain new proposals, they remain firm that any agreement must end the conflict and require the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza.

A proposal for a two-day ceasefire, along with an additional ten days of negotiations, was presented to Israel’s national security cabinet last week by Shin Bet Chief Ronen Bar, according to ANI. While the majority of cabinet members expressed support for the plan, Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir opposed it.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu decided against bringing the proposal to a vote, citing concerns about the initial ceasefire. He has instructed Bar to return to Egypt to negotiate more favorable terms.

News