A Hamas delegation was in Cairo on Saturday amid reports from Egyptian state media of “noticeable progress” in ceasefire talks with Israel. However, an Israeli official downplayed the chances of a full end to the Gaza war.
Pressure is mounting to reach a deal halting the nearly seven-month-long conflict. A top UN official has declared a full-blown famine in northern Gaza, while Israel remains adamant about launching an offensive into Rafah, where over 1 million Palestinians are seeking refuge.
Egyptian and U.S. mediators have cited signs of compromise in recent days, but the possibility of a ceasefire deal remains tied to whether Israel will accept an end to the conflict without achieving its goal of dismantling Hamas.
Egypt’s state-owned Al-Qahera News TV reported Saturday that consensus had been reached on many points, although specifics were not provided. Hamas is calling for a complete cessation of hostilities and the withdrawal of all Israeli forces from Gaza.
A senior Israeli official, speaking anonymously to discuss ongoing negotiations, downplayed the likelihood of a complete end to the war. The official emphasized Israel’s commitment to the Rafah operation and stated that Israel would not agree to end the conflict as part of a deal to release hostages.
The proposed three-stage process put forward by Egyptian mediators includes an immediate six-week ceasefire, a partial release of Israeli hostages, and some form of Israeli withdrawal. The initial stage is set to last for 40 days, with Hamas expected to start by releasing female civilian hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners held by Israel.
Gershon Baskin, director for the Middle East at the International Communities Organization, suggested that Hamas has accepted the framework proposed by Egypt, which Israel has already endorsed. Baskin indicated that Israel’s willingness to send its top negotiators to Cairo after the Sabbath would signal a serious commitment.
The war in Gaza has resulted in the deaths of over 34,000 Palestinians, widespread destruction, and a severe humanitarian crisis. The conflict began on Oct. 7 when Hamas attacked southern Israel, resulting in the abduction of approximately 250 people and the deaths of around 1,200, mostly civilians. Israel claims that Hamas still holds about 100 hostages and the remains of more than 30 others.
Israeli airstrikes early Saturday in Gaza killed at least six people. In the last 24 hours, 32 people killed by Israeli strikes were brought to local hospitals, with women and children accounting for around two-thirds of the casualties. The Israeli military claims to have killed 13,000 militants but has not provided evidence to support this assertion.
Gaza’s Health Ministry has called for an investigation by the International Criminal Court into the death of a Gaza surgeon while in Israeli custody. Adnan al-Borsh, 50, was working at al-Awda Hospital when Israeli troops detained him and others in December.
In the Israeli-occupied West Bank, the Israeli military reported killing five “terrorists” in Tulkarem, while Palestinian authorities reported five deaths from Israeli fire in Deir al-Ghusun.
Meanwhile, Israel briefed Biden administration officials on plans to evacuate civilians ahead of the Rafah operation. The United Nations has warned of the imminent risk of death for hundreds of thousands if Israel proceeds with its offensive into the densely populated city, a critical entry point for humanitarian aid.
Cindy McCain, director of the UN World Food Program, emphasized the urgent need for a ceasefire and increased aid flow through land and sea routes. Israel recently opened new crossings for aid into northern Gaza, but a convoy was blocked by Israeli settlers before being commandeered by Hamas militants inside Gaza, later reclaimed by UN officials.