Egypt Seeks to Mediate Ceasefire in Gaza Amid Escalating Conflict
In an effort to halt the escalating violence in Gaza, Egypt has proposed a ceasefire, although details of the plan remain undisclosed until responses from concerned parties are received.
Cameron Jordan
- 2023-12-28
- Updated 07:17 PM ET
(NewsNibs) - Egypt's intelligence chief Ziad Rashwan has spearheaded efforts to broker peace between Hamas and Israel, aiming to achieve a ceasefire in the strife-torn Gaza region. Egypt's plan intends to prevent further Palestinian casualties and restore stability. However, responses to the ceasefire proposal are pending. Rashwan affirmed that details of the Egyptian initiative would only be made public upon receiving feedback from the involved parties.
Israel's Stance on Ceasefire
While Egypt pushes for reconciliation, Israel has rejected calls from the international community for a ceasefire, arguing that acquiescing would signify a triumph for Hamas, whom both the United States and the European Union consider a terrorist organization. Israel remains firm in its stance to continue operations to eliminate Hamas from the region. This group is responsible for initiating the latest series of attacks on Israeli soil in October, which resulted in 1,200 deaths and the capturing of 240 hostages.
Humanitarian Crisis in Gaza
The ongoing conflict has led to severe humanitarian consequences. According to the Gaza Health Ministry, the Palestinian death toll has reached 21,320, with 55,603 injured since October 7. They also reported 210 Palestinian deaths in the last 24 hours. The Associated Press disclosed that Israel sustained attacks throughout Gaza, including cities, settlements, and camps for displaced persons, causing approximately 85% of Gaza's 2.3 million population to flee their homes.
In a recent development, during a temporary truce that lasted seven days, some Israeli hostages were exchanged for Palestinian prisoners. Despite this glimmer of hope, over 100 individuals remain in captivity by Hamas. As Egypt continues to press for a comprehensive ceasefire, the world watches on, hoping for both a cessation of hostilities and an end to the suffering of Gazan civilians.
