Egypt Confirms ‘Significant Progress’ in Gaza Ceasefire Negotiations
Egypt’s Foreign Minister, Badr Abdelatty, announced on Tuesday that ongoing Gaza ceasefire talks include plans for a system to ensure Israel’s full withdrawal from the territory and unrestricted delivery of humanitarian aid. During a joint press conference with Slovenia’s foreign minister, Abdelatty expressed optimism that the current negotiations could bring an end to the conflict and alleviate the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, highlighting “notable advancements” in the discussions.
Indirect negotiations between Israel and Hamas commenced on Monday in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt, focusing on a ceasefire proposal put forward by former US President Donald Trump. Abdelatty emphasized that the talks are centered on creating a framework to secure Israel’s complete withdrawal from Gaza and to facilitate the unconditional entry of aid through United Nations channels.
He underscored that the negotiations aim to reinforce a just peace process, grounded in a two-state solution and the reunification of the West Bank and Gaza Strip. Abdelatty praised Trump’s initiative, urging the launch of a political process that would lead to an independent Palestinian state based on 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital.
On September 29, Trump presented a 20-point plan, which includes the release of Israeli hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners, a ceasefire, the disarmament of Hamas, and the reconstruction of Gaza. Hamas has indicated its agreement in principle to the proposal. According to Egypt’s state media, Al-Qahera News, the first day of negotiations concluded on a positive note.
Israel’s public broadcaster, KAN, reported a sense of optimism in both Israel and the US, suggesting that a potential agreement could be reached by Sunday.
Since October 2023, the Israeli military offensive in Gaza has resulted in the deaths of over 67,100 Palestinians, predominantly women and children. The sustained attacks have devastated the enclave, causing widespread displacement, famine, and the spread of disease.
