Netanyahu advocates for Palestinians' exit from Gaza amid Egypt's pursuit of a 60-day ceasefire
The ongoing ceasefire negotiations between Israel and Hamas-led Palestinian groups, which began in January 2025, have been a subject of intense global interest. The initial 60-day ceasefire proposal was drafted by mediators from the United States, Egypt, and Qatar, and was formally presented by U.S. President Joe Biden in May 2024.
The deal, if successfully implemented, would mark a significant milestone in the long-standing conflict. Key details include a six-week ceasefire, hostage releases, an end to hostilities, Israeli withdrawal from the Gaza Strip, and a reconstruction effort lasting three to five years.
However, challenges persist. For instance, Israel's withdrawal from the Philadelphi corridor, as specified in the agreement, has faced delays. The corridor, a buffer zone between Gaza and Israel, was meant to be vacated within an eight-day period starting 1 March 2025, but Israel has yet to comply [1].
The key mediators in this complex diplomatic endeavour are the United States, Egypt, and Qatar. The United Nations Security Council has also lent its support through Resolution 2735 in June 2024.
The conflict in Gaza has claimed numerous lives. According to a tally by AFP, Hamas's October 2023 attack resulted in the deaths of 1,219 people. The current offensive has also taken a heavy toll, with the health ministry in Hamas-run Gaza reporting that at least 61,599 Palestinians have been killed due to Israel's offensive, a toll considered reliable by the United Nations. Intensified air strikes on Gaza City have been reported, with at least 33 deaths on Tuesday due to Israeli attacks.
Israel's Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, has called for Palestinians in the Gaza Strip to be allowed to leave the territory. This stance contrasts with Israel's historical policy of tightly controlling the borders and barring many from leaving for years. Netanyahu has endorsed US President Donald Trump's suggestion to expel Gaza's more than two million people to Egypt and Jordan.
Netanyahu's domestic standing is under pressure. He is under mounting criticism over the war, triggered by Palestinian militant group Hamas's October 2023 attack. Netanyahu is under pressure to secure the release of the remaining hostages, including 49 people, as well as over his plans to expand the war. He opposes the staggered release of hostages and instead wants all of them returned as part of an end to the war, but under Israel's conditions.
Egypt, Qatar, and the United States are working together to secure a 60-day truce, release of hostages, and unconditional flow of humanitarian aid to Gaza. Egypt's Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty announced that the aim is for a ceasefire, hostage release, and humanitarian aid without restrictions.
As the negotiations continue, the international community watches with bated breath, hoping for a resolution that brings peace and stability to the region.
[1] Source: [Insert Citation]
The ongoing ceasefire negotiations, if successfully implemented, would not only mark a significant milestone in the long-standing Israel-Palestinian conflict but also potentially improve the health and wellbeing of both parties. The key details, including a six-week ceasefire, hostage releases, an end to hostilities, and a reconstruction effort, could significantly reduce the number of casualties and promote general news of peace and reconciliation. However, challenges persist, such as delays in Israel's compliance with the agreement, like the evacuation of the Philadelphi corridor, which could impact the success of the truce. The ceasefire's ultimate success is dependent on the cooperation of all parties, especially Israel, Egypt, Qatar, and the United States, who are working together in politics and diplomacy to secure a peaceful resolution during war-and-conflicts, with the support of the United Nations Security Council.
