Hamas on Wednesday said it would continue to engage in cease-fire negotiations in Egypt, despite the noticeable absence of Israeli representatives. The discussions, also involving Qatar and Egypt, aim to establish a 40-day cease-fire to coincide with the upcoming Ramadan, hoping to alleviate the conflict’s toll on the region.
This comes after US President Joe Biden said that the potential for a cease-fire largely rests with Hamas, as it considers an offered deal that includes the release of Israeli hostages. In response, Hamas expressed its commitment to reaching a “comprehensive cessation of aggression,” though it accused Israel of avoiding the agreement’s terms.
Israeli military actions have persisted throughout the negotiation period, exacerbating the crisis in Gaza, where residents face an acute humanitarian disaster. Calls for a cease-fire grow louder as casualties mount, with the death toll in Gaza surpassing 30,700.
The proposed deal under consideration aims to address immediate needs by increasing aid to Gaza and securing the release of hostages held since the conflict’s escalation on October 7. In tandem, the United States has amended a UN Security Council resolution draft, advocating for an immediate cease-fire and the release of all hostages.