Egypt and Qatar are stepping up their efforts to broker a ceasefire between Hamas and Israel in Gaza, with both nations engaged in intense diplomatic talks, according to Egyptian media on Tuesday.
The state-affiliated Al-Qahera News channel reported that Cairo and Doha are working “tirelessly” with all involved parties to secure an agreement. Although specifics remain limited, the ongoing mediation underscores the urgency of ending the deadly conflict that has devastated Gaza.
Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz expressed optimism on Monday, revealing that a ceasefire agreement and a potential prisoner swap with Hamas were imminent. “We are closer than ever to a significant deal,” Katz stated during a private meeting of the Knesset’s Foreign Affairs and Security Committee, as reported by Army Radio. This statement hints at a breakthrough in the indirect negotiations aimed at halting the violence.
Despite these efforts, the ceasefire remains elusive, as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has continued to resist halting military operations. Mediation initiatives led by the United States, Egypt, and Qatar have failed to yield an agreement, largely due to Netanyahu’s refusal to suspend hostilities.
Since the Hamas attack on October 7, 2023, Israeli airstrikes and ground operations in Gaza have killed over 45,000 people, mostly women and children, exacerbating an already dire humanitarian crisis. The ongoing violence has led to widespread international condemnation.
Amidst this escalation, the International Criminal Court (ICC) issued arrest warrants last month for Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu and former Defence Minister Yoav Gallant, accusing them of war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza. These charges further complicate Israel’s position internationally.
Israel is also facing charges of genocide at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) for its military actions in Gaza. With the conflict showing no signs of abating, the need for a durable ceasefire has never been more urgent as both regional and international efforts to bring peace to the region continue.