Egypt's Diplomatic Chief Urges Hamas to Accept the US Gaza Strip Peace Plan and Disarm

Egypt and Doha are currently engaged in attempts to convince the Palestinian faction to agree to the former US president's proposal to halt the war in Gaza, per the Egyptian top diplomat.

Growing Pressure on Hamas

Badr Abdelatty emphasized that the opportunity is now for Hamas to lay down its weapons and avoid providing Israeli forces any justification to continue its military campaign in Gaza, where numerous civilians were lost their lives on recently.

“We must avoid providing any justification for ongoing civilian casualties, which have escalated far beyond the events of October 7th,” the minister stated.

The diplomat explained that Egypt is “in close contact with Qatar and Turkey to persuade Hamas to agree to the terms”.

Details of the Peace Plan

This proposal would demand the group to:

  • Surrender weapons and cease political involvement
  • Release the remaining 48 hostages from the October incident, with 20 are thought to survive

As part of the deal, Israeli authorities would:

  • Gradually withdraw its forces from the territory
  • Succeeded by an international force
  • Accept a interim administration led by Trump

Observers believe that the initiative would spell an end to its existence as an militant organization, while Israel would give little ground.

Disagreements within the Faction

Hamas is reportedly split over the appropriate answer, with factions seeking additional time to review the terms.

The head of Hamas’s military wing has objected to the plan, viewing it as a move to eradicate the group if they comply.

Sources close to the group report that Hamas is inclined to seek modifications regarding:

  • The requirement to lay down arms
  • Continued presence of Israeli forces in the area
  • Assurances that the group’s leadership will not be attacked

Gaza Situation Worsens

Israeli forces persisted in its operations in the northern area and airstrikes across the wider strip on Friday, claiming the lives of numerous civilians.

Eleven of the casualties were in Gaza City, while the remaining perished in the south, among them three in an Israeli drone strike in al-Masawi, which had been earlier labeled a safe zone.

The Israeli military issued its last evacuation order for Gaza City on earlier this week, with the top defense official announcing that those who stay would be deemed affiliated with armed groups, a designation that violates global norms.

Hundreds of thousands of residents remain stranded in the urban area, many of whom who are unable to pay for the evacuation to southern Gaza, which reportedly costs more than $1,000.

“Countless individuals are forced to sleep outdoors while seeking refuge,” stated Sarah Davies.

The UN declared that there is no protected area for those escaping the city, as areas designated as “safe zones” in southern Gaza are “places of death”.

James Elder described the notion of a safe zone as “unrealistic”, noting that explosives are used with “chilling predictability” and schools used as safe havens are regularly reduced to rubble.

Hospitals under Extreme Pressure

Medical facilities in southern Gaza are overwhelmed, with the medical unit treating over twice its intended capacity.

Earlier, a major medical facility took in the remains of 27 individuals of people fatally wounded by the troops.

Dr Ahmad al-Farra referred to the conditions as “exceptionally challenging”.

Israel has been reported as striking hospitals and medical workers, with medical staff said to be taken while on duty in Khan Younis.

Israel has often stated that detained healthcare workers had links with Hamas, though without providing evidence.

Fatalities from Israel’s war in Gaza has climbed to at least 62,622 Palestinians dead and approximately 170,000 hurt, according to the Gaza health authority.

Kelly Bennett
Kelly Bennett

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