Egypt and US say Israel and Hamas need to reach Gaza ceasefire deal as soon as possible

CAIRO – 7 June 2024: Egypt and the United States have emphasized the importance of Israel and Hamas finalizing a ceasefire agreement for Gaza as soon as possible as they discussed the current truce proposal on the table.

During a meeting in Cairo on Thursday, Egypt's Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry and the White House Coordinator for the Middle East and North Africa, Brett McGurk, said Israel and Hamas need to take serious and true steps to ensure reaching a deal for a ceasefire across Gaza.

Ahmed Abu Zeid, the spokesperson for the Egyptian Foreign Ministry, stated that McGurk expressed his keenness to continue collaborative efforts with Egypt to resolve the crisis in Gaza.

McGurk commended the effective coordination between Egypt and the United States in this regard and highlighted Egypt's vital role across various humanitarian, political and security tracks to put an end to the crisis and contain its implications.

Shoukry assured McGurk of Egypt's ongoing intensified efforts to end the Israeli war in Gaza.

He stressed the urgent need for a significant increase in humanitarian and relief aid entering Gaza, given the worsening humanitarian crisis in the strip.

Shoukry emphasized that the Israeli military actions in Rafah city have further exacerbated the crisis, forcing Gazans to repeatedly seek refuge in unsafe areas.

The Egyptian Foreign Minister underscored the necessity for Israel to fulfill its obligations as an occupying force, in line with the resolutions of the Security Council, the UN General Assembly, and the rulings of the International Court of Justice.

This includes ensuring unimpeded access to aid, opening all border crossings between Israel and Gaza, and providing a safe environment for international relief teams operating throughout the Strip.

Shoukry and McGurk discussed the current ceasefire agreement in Gaza, the exchange of detainees and captives between Hamas and Israel, as well as the mediation efforts undertaken by Egypt, Qatar, and the United States.

Biden’s offer

Last Friday, President Joe Biden announced a proposed ceasefire and captive-prisoner swap, formulated by Israel. The proposal consists of three phases, each lasting six weeks.

The first phase includes a ceasefire, Israeli military withdrawal from populated areas of Gaza, the release of some captives and Palestinian prisoners, and a substantial increase in humanitarian aid to Gaza.

The second phase involves a permanent cessation of hostilities after negotiations, with full Israeli withdrawal from the strip.

The third phase focuses on a comprehensive reconstruction plan for Gaza and the repatriation of deceased captives' remains.

Hamas initially responded positively to the proposal for its permanent cessation of hostilities but requested guarantees of Israeli commitment to the conditions before approving the deal.

Qatari Foreign Ministry Spokesman Majed Al-Ansari said on Thursday that Hamas is still studying the proposal and has not yet submitted its response.

Earlier this week, officials from Egypt, the United States, and Qatar met in Doha to advance the ceasefire negotiations.

However, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu informed Knesset members that Biden's proposal is "incomplete" and exhibits "gaps" compared to the Israeli plan.

Opinion | Biden wants an end to the Gaza war. But he is finally realising Netanyahu will block any attempts at peace - The Guardian https://t.co/822ATVClKq

— John Tanner (@ooo_shhh) June 7, 2024

On Tuesday, the spokesperson for Egypt's foreign ministry called for all parties involved to publicly declare their positions to clarify their stances on the proposed deal.

Egypt, Qatar, and the United States have jointly called for Israel and Hamas to finalize a Gaza ceasefire agreement that reflects the principles outlined by President Biden.

The war in Gaza has killed over 36,000 Palestinians, injured over 83,000 others, displaced the majority of people and left the strip on brink of a famine.