Ahmed Kamel – Egypt Daily News
Egypt is intensifying its diplomatic efforts to revive a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, coordinating closely with regional and international partners in a bid to bring an end to the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdel Aaty announced on Tuesday that Cairo is working in tandem with the United States and Qatar to reinstate a previously proposed 60-day truce as part of a broader political strategy combining mediation and political pressure.
Speaking at a press conference in Cairo, Abdel Aaty said, “Egypt is exerting significant effort, in full cooperation with the Qataris and Americans, to return to the initial ceasefire proposal.” The plan envisions a two-month cessation of hostilities, accompanied by the release of Israeli hostages and Palestinian detainees, as well as unimpeded access for humanitarian and medical aid into Gaza.
Abdel Aaty also stated that Egypt would be willing to support the deployment of an international peacekeeping force in Gaza if it would facilitate the establishment of a future Palestinian state.
In a pointed critique of the humanitarian situation, the Egyptian foreign minister laid blame squarely on Israel for obstructing aid deliveries to Gaza. He described the Western response to the crisis as “shameful,” accusing major powers of failing to meet their moral and legal responsibilities. He warned that any attempt to reassert control over Gaza would be a serious risk to regional stability, calling it a step toward entrenching what he described as an “illegal occupation” of Palestinian territory.
Abdel Aaty welcomed Germany’s recent decision to suspend arms exports to Israel, urging the European Union to take immediate action to curb the escalation. He also revealed ongoing preparations for Egypt to host an international conference focused on early recovery and reconstruction in Gaza, contingent upon a formal ceasefire agreement.
Gulf Support and Negotiation Complexities
According to an Associated Press report, Egypt’s efforts are bolstered by support from key Gulf states, who are increasingly concerned that any Israeli move to reoccupy Gaza could destabilize the broader region. Negotiations remain complex, particularly regarding the status of Hamas and its armed capabilities a central sticking point for Israel.
Diplomatic sources involved in the talks told AP that one possible compromise being floated is a “weapons freeze” allowing Hamas to retain its current arsenal but barring its use, paired with a gradual transition of governance in Gaza. Under this evolving proposal, Hamas would relinquish administrative control, while a joint Arab-Palestinian committee would temporarily oversee civil affairs and reconstruction efforts.
In the longer term, the plan envisions the formation of a new Palestinian governing authority in Gaza, backed by a restructured security force trained under the supervision of two U.S.-aligned Middle Eastern nations.
These efforts come amid an escalation in Israeli military planning. The Israeli security cabinet recently approved a controversial proposal by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to establish security control over Gaza City. In a Sunday press conference, Netanyahu insisted that Israel has no intention of reoccupying Gaza but aims to “liberate it from Hamas,” reiterating demands for the group’s disarmament and the release of remaining hostages.
U.S. Mediation and Setbacks
Despite high-level diplomacy, the road to a ceasefire remains fraught. In July, U.S. envoy Steve Wietckoff withdrew his negotiating team from Doha following Hamas’s rejection of a previous ceasefire proposal. The setback underscored the fragile nature of ongoing efforts and the wide gap between the involved parties’ demands.
Still, Egypt and its partners appear committed to reigniting negotiations, aiming to chart a path out of a devastating conflict that has claimed thousands of lives and left Gaza in ruins. As humanitarian conditions continue to deteriorate, the urgency for a diplomatic breakthrough has never been greater.
