(Scypre.com) – Hamas has agreed to a cease-fire proposal orchestrated by Egypt and Qatar, creating a moment of tentative optimism amidst the ongoing conflict in Gaza, which has endured for seven months.
This development comes amid heightened tensions following an Israeli directive for approximately 100,000 Palestinians to evacuate Rafah—a densely populated area in southern Gaza—due to a potential impending military assault. This directive was met with international concern, particularly from the United States and other allies of Israel, who have opposed such an offensive.
The details of the cease-fire proposal, which have not been publicly disclosed, reportedly involve multiple stages, beginning with limited hostage releases and partial troop withdrawals by Israel. The framework aims ultimately at a comprehensive “permanent calm,” facilitating a full hostage release and a more extensive Israeli withdrawal.
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, who visited the region recently, had pressed Hamas to accept this proposal. However, Israeli authorities were still reviewing the plan, which Hamas had accepted but which differed from Israel’s initial proposal.
The acceptance of the cease-fire by Hamas has ignited a wave of hope among the Palestinians in Rafah, who had been bracing for a potential invasion. Celebrations erupted following the announcement, though the future remains uncertain as there was no immediate confirmation from Israel regarding the acceptance of the cease-fire.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has been adamant about the necessity of controlling Rafah to prevent Hamas from regaining its military capabilities, following an attack on October 7 that initiated the conflict. In contrast, U.S. President Joe Biden has reiterated the importance of a cease-fire to safeguard the lives of Israeli hostages in Gaza, discussing these concerns directly with Netanyahu.
The looming potential of an Israeli assault on Rafah has drawn global attention, with aid organizations warning that such an action could exacerbate the already dire humanitarian situation in Gaza. The conflict has so far resulted in the deaths of approximately 34,000 people and has displaced a substantial portion of Gaza’s population.
In anticipation of further military actions, Israel has expanded a humanitarian zone in Muwasi, where displaced Palestinians are being encouraged to relocate. This zone, however, is already stretched thin in resources, housing around 450,000 displaced individuals under challenging conditions.
As international eyes watch closely, the call for a cease-fire has become a focal point for diplomatic efforts aimed at ending one of the deadliest phases of the conflict. The United Nations and various humanitarian agencies continue to advocate for the protection of civilians and the unimpeded delivery of aid to those affected by the ongoing violence. The situation remains fluid, with the international community urging both sides to consider the grave humanitarian implications of continued conflict.