Egypt Confirms Ongoing Talks to Broker Gaza Ceasefire, Urges Flexibility Amid Humanitarian Crisis
Ahmed Emam
A senior Egyptian official confirmed ongoing communications with all parties involved in the Gaza conflict, as Egypt intensifies efforts to broker a ceasefire agreement "as soon as possible."
The official revealed that Egyptian, Qatari, and American coordination is continuing regarding negotiations over a potential ceasefire and a detainee exchange deal. Egypt, the official added, has urged both sides to show the necessary flexibility to reach an agreement that could ease the deepening humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip.
"There are intensive Egyptian contacts aimed at narrowing the gaps between the concerned parties and restoring calm," the source said.
These developments come as U.S. envoy Steve Wietkoff told *Axios* on Monday that he was "disappointed" by Hamas's rejection of his latest proposal for a new deal involving hostages and a ceasefire in Gaza.
Wietkoff said he had communicated directly with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his senior advisor Ron Dermer, as well as with Hamas leadership through a backchannel facilitated by Palestinian-American businessman Beshara Bahbah. 'What I saw from Hamas was disappointing and completely unacceptable,' Wietkoff stated.
On the other hand, Hamas officials informed Arab media outlets on Monday that the United States had presented a new proposal aimed at reaching a deal over hostages and a 60-day ceasefire.
According to reports, the proposal calls for the release of five living Israeli hostages on the first day of the ceasefire and another five on the final day. The plan also reportedly includes increased humanitarian aid deliveries to Gaza and a withdrawal of Israeli forces to positions held in March, prior to the latest escalation in fighting.
Notably, Egypt remains a central mediator, seeking to defuse tensions and push both sides toward a breakthrough amid growing international pressure for a resolution.
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