Egypt initially proposed a two-day ceasefire in Gaza. During this period four Israeli hostages held by Hamas will be released in exchange for some Palestinian prisoners. The President of Egypt said this on Sunday (October 27). British news agency Reuters reported this news.
Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi announced this at a joint press conference with Algerian President Abdelmajid Tebboune in Cairo. He said that negotiations should be started within 10 days of the effective date of ceasefire. Its aim would be to achieve a permanent ceasefire.
There was no immediate comment from Israel or Hamas. But a source in the mediation said the new proposals are likely to be reviewed by Hamas. However, Hamas's position is that any deal would require an end to the war and the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza.
Israel says the war will continue until Hamas is completely eliminated as a military power and ruler in Gaza.
The US, Qatar and Egypt are leading talks to end the war. The war began after Hamas fighters entered southern Israel on October 7 last year, killing 1,200 people and taking more than 250 hostages. According to the Ministry of Health of Gaza, about 43,000 Palestinians have been killed so far in Israel's military operation.
The ongoing talks in Doha, Qatar, aim for a short-term ceasefire and the release of Palestinian prisoners held by Israel in exchange for some hostages held by Hamas. Despite various mediation efforts, no permanent or long-term ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas has been reached.
