Ahmed Kamel – Egypt Daily News
Cairo has emerged as a pivotal player in renewed efforts to end the war in Gaza, announcing its readiness to participate in a potential international force to be deployed in the territory. The statement, made by Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdel Aaty during a press conference at the Rafah border crossing, comes as mediation efforts reach what observers are calling a critical and possibly final stage.
“We are, of course, prepared to help,” Abdel Aaty said. “Egypt is ready to contribute to any international joint force deployed in Gaza provided that such deployment occurs under clearly defined terms, including a United Nations Security Council resolution and a broader political framework.”
Abdel Aaty stressed that without a concrete political horizon particularly the revival of a path toward Palestinian statehood, deploying foreign forces would be “illogical.” He underscored that the primary aim of such a mission must be to support Palestinian sovereignty and help restore effective governance under the Palestinian Authority.
This marks one of Egypt’s most direct statements yet on its willingness to assume a more active role on the ground in Gaza, beyond its long-standing mediation and humanitarian efforts. Egypt has consistently pushed for a unified Palestinian leadership and insists that Gaza must ultimately return to the fold of the Palestinian Authority, governed by the PLO an approach that excludes Hamas, which has controlled the strip since 2007.
Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammad Mustafa, appearing alongside Abdel Aaty, confirmed that a temporary administrative committee will soon be announced to govern Gaza once hostilities cease. “This committee will not represent a new political entity,” Mustafa said. “It will operate under the authority of the Palestinian government and will be tasked with managing relief, reconstruction, and restoring basic services.”
Hamas Agrees to New Ceasefire Proposal Brokered by Egypt and Qatar
In a notable breakthrough, Hamas has agreed to a new ceasefire proposal presented by Egyptian and Qatari mediators. While the full terms of the agreement have not yet been disclosed, sources familiar with the negotiations say the plan includes a 60-day truce and a phased release of hostages held in Gaza.
A senior Hamas official confirmed that the group had delivered its formal acceptance to the mediators “without requesting any amendments.” The announcement followed days of intensive diplomacy involving Egyptian officials and Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, who traveled to Cairo earlier this week. They also coordinated closely with U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff, who met with Qatari officials in Spain late last week.
While Israel has yet to respond formally, Egyptian officials remain cautiously optimistic that this latest proposal could halt further escalation and open a path to broader de-escalation.
Mounting Humanitarian Concerns as Egyptian Diplomacy Steps Up
On the ground, the humanitarian crisis in Gaza continues to deteriorate. Civilians in eastern parts of Gaza City have begun moving westward or toward the south amid fears of an imminent Israeli ground assault. Israeli forces have already cleared much of the territory, and Gaza City is believed to be one of the last remaining urban strongholds of Hamas.
Egypt has consistently warned that a full-scale invasion of Gaza City would lead to mass civilian displacement and possibly jeopardize the lives of remaining hostages. Egyptian officials have also voiced concern over the regional repercussions of such an operation, urging restraint while doubling down on diplomatic channels.
A source close to the Egyptian mediation team described the current efforts as “the last viable opportunity” to avert an all-out ground assault and stabilize the situation before it worsens further.
Public Pressure Mounts Inside Gaza and Across the Region
Within Gaza, public frustration is growing. Local civil society groups and trade unions have announced plans for mass protests demanding an end to the war and a return to negotiations. Calls are also growing for Hamas to prioritize diplomacy and avoid further bloodshed, reflecting the broader exhaustion of a population battered by over a year of war and displacement.
Meanwhile, Egypt continues to operate as the main humanitarian lifeline into Gaza, coordinating aid deliveries, facilitating medical evacuations, and working closely with international partners. Egyptian officials have warned that any future international mission in Gaza must not only focus on security, but also deliver meaningful political progress to avoid repeating past failures.
Conclusion
With diplomatic momentum building and regional actors aligning behind a possible ceasefire, Egypt is stepping into a central role—not only as a mediator but potentially as a security guarantor. Its conditional offer to participate in a multinational force, coupled with its insistence on a political solution, reflects a broader regional push to end the conflict and lay the groundwork for long-term stability.
As one Egyptian diplomat put it, “We are not just working to stop the war, we are working to prevent the next one.”
