Egypt's Foreign Minister Calls On the Palestinian Group to Agree to Trump's Gaza Strip Peace Plan and Lay Down Arms
Egypt and Doha are actively pursuing efforts to persuade Hamas to accept the former US president's proposal to end the war in Gaza, according to Egypt's foreign minister.
Growing Pressure on Hamas
Egypt's foreign minister declared that the time had come for the organization to lay down its weapons and refrain from offering Israeli forces any justification to prolong its military campaign in the region, where 28 Palestinians were fatally struck on Friday.
“Hamas should not be used as an excuse for the relentless killing of innocents, a situation that has worsened significantly since last year,” Abdelatty stated.
The diplomat added that Cairo is “in close contact with Qatar and Turkey to persuade Hamas to agree to the terms”.
Key Points of the US Initiative
The initiative would necessitate the group to:
- Lay down its arms and cease political involvement
- Release the remaining 48 hostages from the previous year's events, 20 of whom are presumed to be still alive
In exchange, Israeli authorities would:
- Pull back its forces from Gaza
- Succeeded by an multinational troops
- Allow a transitional authority led by the former president
Most analysts believe that the initiative would effectively terminate the group's role as an fighting force, while the Israeli side would make few concessions.
Internal Divisions within the Faction
Hamas is reportedly split over its reaction, with factions asking for a delay to review the terms.
Izz al-Din al-Haddad has opposed the plan, viewing it as a move to eradicate the group if they accept.
Those familiar with the matter indicate that the faction is inclined to seek modifications regarding:
- Weapons surrender
- Continued presence of soldiers in Gaza
- Safeguards that the group’s leadership will not be pursued
Gaza Situation Worsens
Israel persisted in its offensive in Gaza City and shelling across the territory on Friday, killing 28 people.
Several of the those killed were in the northern city, while the rest were killed in southern Gaza, including three in an aerial attack in a southern area, which had been once declared a secure area.
The Israeli military issued its last evacuation order for Gaza City on Wednesday, with the defence minister declaring that anyone remaining would be deemed affiliated with armed groups, a designation that violates international law.
Hundreds of thousands of residents remain unable to leave in the city, with numerous who lack the means for the journey to the south, which is said to cost a significant sum.
“Many people are left to sleep along the roads until they can find shelter,” stated Sarah Davies.
The UN said that there is nowhere secure for evacuees from Gaza City, as zones declared as “safe zones” in southern Gaza are “places of death”.
A UNICEF spokesperson described the notion of a safe zone as “absurd”, noting that bombs are launched with alarming regularity and shelters used as temporary shelters are often destroyed.
Healthcare System under Severe Strain
Hospitals in southern Gaza are stretched to the limit, with the Red Cross field hospital accommodating significantly beyond its designed patient load.
On Thursday, a major medical facility received numerous fatalities of people killed by the Israeli military.
Dr Ahmad al-Farra referred to the situation as “very hard”.
Israel has been reported as striking hospitals and medical workers, with a nurse allegedly “abducted” while on duty in Khan Younis.
Israel has previously claimed that detained healthcare workers had connections to the group, though offering no substantiation.
Total casualties from Israel’s war in the strip has reached over 62,000 civilians fatally injured and approximately 170,000 injured, per the medical sources.