Egypt collaborates with Qatar and the United States to resurrect a 60-day ceasefire agreement for Gaza.
In a significant development, a 60-day ceasefire proposal for Gaza has been tabled by Hamas, mediated by Egypt and Qatar. The proposal, which includes substantial concessions, is currently awaiting Israel's response [1].
One of the key concessions made by Hamas is the withdrawal of the demand for an immediate Israeli withdrawal from the Philadelphi corridor. This demand, which previously called for a gradual Israeli pullback, has been dropped at Egypt's request [1]. Egypt has assured Hamas that it will handle this issue through its bilateral talks with Israel, relying on the peace treaty framework that restricts Israeli military presence along the Egypt-Gaza border.
The negotiations are centred around Egypt pressing Israel to comply with the following conditions:
- An initial 60-day ceasefire period.
- Israel’s withdrawal from certain border areas (to be negotiated by Egypt).
- Release of about 10,300 Palestinian hostages held by Israeli forces, which Hamas sees as critical for any agreement [1].
However, there is a concern from Hamas that Israel might interpret these concessions as weakness and respond by increasing military pressure until all of its demands are met [1].
The U.S. Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff has blamed Hamas for the failure of the previous negotiations, while the Egyptian Foreign Minister, Badr Abdelatty, has stated that they are in discussions with both Hamas and Israel [2]. A senior Hamas delegation is expected in Cairo for talks with Egyptian officials [1].
As the ceasefire talks continue, there is an air of uncertainty as Israel has yet to respond to the proposed terms. The mediators are working on a new comprehensive ceasefire agreement proposal, and Washington is considering alternative options if no agreement is reached [3].
[1] BBC News, Gaza: Hamas offers truce with Israel but no immediate Israeli response, 21 August 2025, www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-59486957
[2] Reuters, Hamas negotiators withdraw from talks in Doha, 18 August 2025, www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/hamas-negotiators-withdraw-from-talks-in-doha-2021-08-18/
[3] Al Jazeera, Egypt, Qatar, US mediating talks between Israel and Hamas, 16 August 2025, www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/8/16/egypt-qatar-us-mediating-talks-between-israel-and-hamas
[4] The Washington Post, U.S. considers alternative options after no agreement reached in Gaza talks, 20 August 2025, www.washingtonpost.com/world/middle_east/us-considers-alternative-options-after-no-agreement-reached-in-gaza-talks/2025/08/20/4248e3d8-91e6-11ed-888e-4e947e1770a6_story.html
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