Egypt has proposed a temporary two-day ceasefire in Gaza aimed at facilitating the exchange of four Israeli hostages held by Hamas for a number of Palestinian prisoners.
This announcement was made by President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi on Sunday, October 27, as Israeli military strikes resulted in the deaths of 45 Palestinians across the enclave.
Speaking at a joint press conference with Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune in Cairo, Sisi highlighted the need to resume negotiations within ten days of implementing the ceasefire.
While there has been no immediate response from either Israel or Hamas, a Palestinian official involved in the mediation process indicated to Reuters that Hamas is open to the proposal, but insists that any agreement must lead to an end to the conflict and the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza.
Israel, however, has consistently stated that the war cannot conclude until Hamas is dismantled as both a military force and governing authority in Gaza.
The conflict erupted after a Hamas attack on southern Israel on October 7 last year, resulting in the deaths of 1,200 people and the abduction of over 250 hostages, according to Israeli figures.
The ongoing warfare has devastated Gaza, with health officials reporting nearly 43,000 deaths from Israeli air and ground assaults, leaving the densely populated enclave largely in ruins.
An official briefed on the negotiations mentioned that discussions in Doha are centred on establishing a short-term ceasefire and facilitating the release of some hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners held by Israel.
The aim is to achieve a temporary halt in hostilities that could pave the way for a more lasting ceasefire.
