Egypt engages in intensive diplomacy to broker Gaza ceasefire

Egypt is ramping up its diplomatic initiatives to mediate a ceasefire between Hamas and Israel, with the aim of halting the deepening humanitarian catastrophe in the Gaza Strip.

Cairo is actively coordinating with both Qatar and the United States in a bid to facilitate a ceasefire agreement and a potential prisoner exchange, Caliber.Az reports, citing foreign media source.

The source emphasized that Egypt is maintaining open channels of communication with all involved parties, urging both Hamas and Israel to demonstrate the flexibility needed to bring an end to hostilities.

The negotiations are said to be at a critical juncture, with Egyptian officials pushing for a swift resolution to prevent further civilian casualties and humanitarian deterioration in Gaza. Egypt has historically played a central role in mediating conflicts between Israel and Palestinian factions, leveraging its geographic proximity and longstanding diplomatic ties.

The high-level official revealed that Cairo has called on all involved parties to exhibit the necessary flexibility to reach an agreement that would bring an end to the ongoing conflict and alleviate the suffering of civilians in the besieged enclave. Egypt is reportedly making concerted efforts to close the gap between the negotiating parties in hopes of securing a viable truce.

On May 26 Hamas announced its acceptance of a US-backed proposal for a 70-day ceasefire. The plan, conveyed through mediators, includes the release of 10 Israeli hostages in exchange for a cessation of Israeli military operations and the liberation of a number of Palestinian prisoners.

Sources familiar with the negotiations indicated that the latest proposal was relayed by US Special Envoy to the Middle East, Steve Witkoff, and presented to both Hamas and Israeli officials. Despite this diplomatic push, Israeli authorities have reportedly rejected the offer.

Egypt, alongside Qatar and the United States, has been at the forefront of mediation efforts since the outbreak of the conflict in October 2023. Despite intermittent progress, talks have been hindered by significant political and strategic differences between the two sides.

Tensions escalated further on March 18, when Israel unilaterally ended a two-month ceasefire and resumed its military campaign in Gaza. Since March 2, Israel has also imposed a complete blockade on humanitarian aid entering the territory, pushing over two million Palestinians to the brink of famine.

By Vafa Guliyeva