Cairo: Egypt is intensifying efforts to facilitate a ceasefire in Gaza.
British Foreign Minister David Cameron’s visit to Cairo underscores the international community’s engagement in seeking a resolution to the crisis.
Simultaneously, Ismail Haniyeh, the leader of the Palestinian group Hamas, is in the Egyptian capital for separate discussions with intelligence officials to explore new terms for a truce and a potential hostage exchange deal.
David Cameron’s diplomatic mission
Cameron’s diplomatic mission in Egypt began with a meeting with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah EL Sisi, followed by in-depth discussions with Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry.
The key objectives of their talks include securing the release of hostages still in Gaza, expanding aid distribution to Palestinians, and contributing to a sustainable ceasefire.
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“We’re saying clearly to Israel they have to obey international humanitarian law. They should minimize the number of civilian casualties,” stated Cameron during a press conference in Cairo. Expressing a desire for a swift end to the conflict, he emphasized the need for a sustainable ceasefire that prevents Hamas from threatening Israel with rockets and terrorism.
At the same time, Ismail Haniyeh, representing Hamas, engaged in discussions with the Egyptian Intelligence Chief. While Haniyeh’s statements do not suggest an imminent deal.
He made it clear that talks about the future of Gaza without Hamas are considered delusional. Additionally, he asserted that no exchange of hostages would occur without a prior ceasefire.
Suzie El Geneidy, Deputy Editor-in-Chief of Al Ahram Al Araby, highlighted obstacles to the negotiations, primarily originating from the Israeli side. Israel’s demand for the release of all Hamas hostages while offering only a limited ceasefire duration poses challenges to the peace talks.
Houthi Group shows solidarity
Meanwhile, Yemen’s Houthi group, showing solidarity with the Palestinians, has been targeting vessels at the Bab Al Mandab Strait. This action potentially threatens global supply chains and Egypt’s Suez Canal. Discussions between Egypt and Britain also encompassed efforts to secure navigation in the Red Sea.
Egypt is actively working with Arab and Islamic nations on a UN Security Council resolution aimed at approving a more extensive flow of aid into Gaza. Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry reported that over 70 countries are currently supporting this humanitarian initiative, emphasising the urgency of addressing the humanitarian catastrophe in the Gaza Strip, where thousands of lives have been lost, including many children, and a significant portion of infrastructure has been destroyed.
In the coming week, leaders from Palestinian Islamic Jihad are expected to arrive in Cairo to garner more robust support for Egypt’s ongoing mediation efforts. As Egypt takes centre stage in diplomatic endeavours, the international community watches closely, hoping for progress toward a lasting ceasefire in Gaza.
