Egyptian state media reported “noticeable progress” in ongoing cease-fire talks with Israel while an Israeli official downplayed the prospects for a full end to the war.
The Gaza Health Ministry has reported a grim toll of more than 34,000 Palestinian deaths, a staggering number. Amidst the backdrop of a severe humanitarian crisis and reports of a “full-blown famine” in northern Gaza, Egyptian and American mediators have reported signs of compromise in recent days but chances for a cease-fire deal remain entangled with the key question of whether Israel will accept an end to the war without reaching its stated goal of destroying Hamas.
According to Egyptian state television channel Al-Qahera News, a consensus has been forged on many disputed points in the talks. Hamas has been clear in its demands for a complete halt to the conflict and the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza. However, a senior Israeli official, insisting on anonymity, communicated a strong commitment to an offensive in Rafah and firmly stated that Israel would not agree to end the war merely to facilitate hostage releases.
The proposed ceasefire plan involves a three-stage process. The first phase envisions a six-week ceasefire and the release of Israeli hostages, followed by Israeli pullout from certain areas of Gaza. This initial period is designed to last 40 days.
Some families of hostages accused Netanyahu of prolonging the war for his political interests. Daniel Elgert, whose brother Itzhak is held by Hamas, addressed Netanyahu at the latest rally in Tel Aviv: “Bibi, we call on you from here to announce the end of the war in exchange for the return of all the hostages. The war is effectively over, we know it’s over, you can’t fool us.”
In the last 24 hours, the bodies of 32 people killed by Israeli strikes have been brought to local hospitals, Gaza’s Health Ministry said Saturday. The ministry does not distinguish between fighters and civilians in its tallies, but says that women and children make up around two-thirds of those killed. The Israeli military says it has killed 13,000 militants, without providing evidence to back up the claim.
The director of the U.N. World Food Program, Cindy McCain, said Friday that trapped civilians in the north, the most cut-off part of Gaza, have plunged into famine. McCain said a cease-fire and a greatly increased flow of aid through land and sea routes was essential.
Relevant articles:
– Egypt Media Cite Progress in Truce Talks as Israel Downplays Chances of End to War With Hamas, Military, 05/04/2024
– There’s progress reported in Gaza truce talks, but Israel downplays chances of ending war with Hamas, The Associated Press, 05/04/2024
– Gaza war: Negotiations underway in Cairo to secure new ceasefire deal | Top points, WION, 05/04/2024
– Hamas delegation has made ‘noticeable progress’ on ceasefire talks in Egypt: Report, Washington Examiner, 05/04/2024
– Hamas shows signs of progress in proposed hostage deal, waiving key conditions, The Jerusalem Post, 05/04/2024