Egypt is set to host a new round of ceasefire negotiations for Gaza, following Egypt’s reaffirmation of its call for all parties to show the necessary flexibility to achieve a ceasefire in the region.
An Egyptian official stated, “Cairo is making every effort to reach a truce in the Gaza Strip, secure the release of prisoners and detainees, and end the humanitarian crisis in the area.”
It was also mentioned that the Palestinians have informed Egyptian and Qatari mediators of their agreement to participate in the Cairo talks, which aim to discuss a ceasefire in Gaza and a prisoner exchange.
Martin Griffiths, the UN Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator, welcomed what he described as “initial indications of a potential breakthrough” in the negotiations aimed at halting the ongoing conflict in Gaza and securing the release of detainees.
Griffiths highlighted the possibility of a long-term truce that would allow for the release of detainees in Gaza and the release of Palestinian prisoners, suggesting that this phase could be followed by another period of calm that might lead to the end of the war that began on October 7th.
A spokesperson for the Israeli government mentioned that officials are carefully reviewing a new ceasefire proposal in Gaza presented by Qatari negotiators. Avi Himan, speaking to reporters, stated, “We have received an update on the matter, we have been notified by the Qatari negotiators, and we are studying it, with the Mossad taking a keen interest in what has been presented to us.”
This development coincides with U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken’s fifth tour of the Middle East since the war began on October 7th. Blinken met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Jerusalem yesterday, following visits to Egypt and Qatar the day before.
Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani affirmed Italy’s support for ongoing international and regional efforts to end the war in Gaza and work towards peace. On his X platform account, Tajani wrote, “Italy wholeheartedly supports negotiations for the release of prisoners and a ceasefire in Gaza, as well as identifying a political horizon leading to a two-state solution.” He added, “The Italian government is working for peace in the Middle East.”
In another context, Kate Forbes, the new President of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, inspected the Rafah land crossing and aid warehouses destined for Gaza in the city of Al-Arish. Forbes received a briefing from officials of the Egyptian Red Crescent on the reception of aid, its types, storage methods, loading onto trucks, and transportation to the Gaza Strip.
Red Crescent officials in Egypt also reviewed the number of trucks that have entered the Gaza Strip since the beginning of the conflict and the procedures followed for entry. Following her visit to the logistic warehouses in Al-Arish, Forbes visited the Rafah land crossing and crossed into the Gaza Strip for a solidarity visit lasting several hours.
