Egypt Daily News – A new Egyptian proposal aims to break the current deadlock in ceasefire negotiations in Gaza, following three weeks of ongoing Israeli escalation since the collapse of the truce on March 18. With the Jewish Passover approaching on April 20, hopes are rising for a potential end to the vicious cycle of violence, supported by a fourth Egyptian proposal designed to “bridge the gaps” between Hamas and Israel.
This is complemented by intensive diplomatic efforts that may involve decisive U.S. pressure during an anticipated meeting between U.S. President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, amid both internal and external pressures on the Israeli government.
Israeli media reported that Egypt has presented a new ceasefire proposal in Gaza, the fourth such proposal in less than a month. Cairo aims to “bridge the gaps” between Hamas and Israel, working towards a ceasefire that would allow further negotiations to end the war and reach a settlement for the Gaza crisis.
Experts spoke about the new Egyptian proposal for a ceasefire in Gaza, discussing what it could offer in terms of narrowing the differences between Israel and Hamas to halt the war. There are signs that the U.S. might push for an agreement in Gaza, especially with an upcoming meeting between Trump and Netanyahu at the White House, which could exert pressure on Israel for a compromise.
A Proposal to Bridge the Disputed Gaps
Dr. Ayman Al-Ruqab, a political science professor at Al-Quds University, stated that the new Egyptian proposal is an integration of previous suggestions aimed at bringing Hamas and Israel closer together. The proposal is expected to include an increase in the number of released Israeli prisoners, with around 10 alive prisoners to be freed, compared to the previous proposal’s offer of 5.
This move is an attempt to satisfy the Israeli government, which seeks to recover all prisoners, while Hamas uses the prisoner issue as leverage to secure a permanent ceasefire.
Dr. Al-Ruqab further explained that the proposed ceasefire is not an end in itself, but a step towards a comprehensive settlement in Gaza. He noted that there are numerous indications of a “real opportunity” for de-escalation, especially with the anticipated U.S. support during the Trump-Netanyahu meeting, which might pressure Israel to make concessions.
He emphasized that Hamas is well aware that Israeli prisoners are the only bargaining chip it currently has to end the war, and thus, it will not easily give up this leverage. This time, Hamas aims for a “temporary ceasefire to complete negotiations for a permanent ceasefire that leads to a settlement in Gaza.”
Consistent Egyptian Stance
Egypt has been holding continuous consultations with the Palestinian Authority, and Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdel Aty met on Saturday with a delegation from the Palestinian Fatah movement, headed by Jibril Rajoub, discussing the latest Israeli escalation and Egyptian efforts to restore the ceasefire in Gaza and resume humanitarian aid as soon as possible, according to a statement from the Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi also emphasized the importance of restoring calm in a phone call with French President Emmanuel Macron on Saturday, stressing the need for an immediate ceasefire and the delivery of humanitarian aid, according to a statement from the Egyptian presidency. Dr. Ahmed Fouad Anwar, a member of the Egyptian Foreign Affairs Council and an expert on Israeli affairs, believes that Egypt is working “tirelessly” to achieve its priorities in this phase: “halting Israeli aggression,” ensuring Egypt’s national security, and stabilizing Palestinians in their lands by implementing a ceasefire and allowing humanitarian aid.
Factors for the Success of the New Proposal
Dr. Anwar confirmed that the new proposal represents a middle ground between both sides’ demands. It will not be limited to the release of 5 prisoners, as Hamas wants, nor will it be limited to half of the prisoners as in previous proposals by U.S. Middle East envoy, Steve Wittkoff. Instead, it aims to “achieve a balance” between these proposals.
He highlighted that the exhaustion on both sides, along with internal pressure in Israel to release prisoners, increases the likelihood of the proposal’s success. He also speculated that Hamas would demand greater international guarantees to prevent the recurrence of Israeli violations experienced during previous ceasefires.
According to Egyptian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Tamim Khallaf, Minister Abdel Aty emphasized Egypt’s full rejection of the ongoing Israeli aggression in Gaza and the West Bank, and Israel’s use of brutal military force with no regard for international humanitarian law. He also criticized Israeli practices against civilians and its approach as a “state above the law.”
He said, “Illusions of power will not help Israel achieve security as it imagines; rather, the atrocities it commits will deepen feelings of hatred and revenge against it in the region, further hindering peaceful coexistence between regional peoples, and negatively impacting its own security, stability, and the prospects for lasting peace in the region.”
The Crucial U.S. Role
The role of the United States emerges as a key factor in advancing the Egyptian proposal. Dr. Anwar noted that the phone call between President Trump and Egyptian President El-Sisi, along with Netanyahu’s visit to Washington, reflects a U.S. political will to end the crisis.
He expects that the U.S. administration will promote the Egyptian proposal internally as an “American proposal” to ease pressure from the far-right on Netanyahu, potentially paving the way for an announcement of the deal in the coming days.
Despite the optimism, the success of the proposal depends on Israel’s willingness to make military concessions, particularly given the far-right faction in Netanyahu’s government, which insists on continuing the war until Hamas is “destroyed.” Meanwhile, Hamas is aware that prisoners are its only bargaining chip and will not relinquish them for a temporary ceasefire without guarantees for a permanent cessation of hostilities.
