Egypt's Foreign Minister Calls On Hamas to Agree to Trump's Gaza Strip Peace Plan and Disarm

Cairo and Qatar are currently engaged in attempts to convince Hamas to comply with the former US president's demand to halt the hostilities in the Gaza Strip, according to Egypt's foreign minister.

Mounting Diplomatic Pressure on Hamas

Badr Abdelatty stated that the time had come for Hamas to surrender arms and not give Israeli forces any justification to continue its offensive in Gaza, where 28 Palestinians were killed on recently.

“We must avoid providing any justification for ongoing civilian casualties, which have escalated far beyond the events of October 7th,” the minister stated.

The diplomat noted that Egypt is “in close contact with Qatar and Turkey to persuade Hamas to agree to the terms”.

Details of the US Initiative

The initiative would demand the group to:

  • Disarm and exit politics
  • Return the remaining 48 hostages from the 2023 attack, 20 of whom are thought to survive

In return, Israeli authorities would:

  • Phase out its troops from the territory
  • Succeeded by an global peacekeeping unit
  • Allow a interim administration led by the former president

Experts concur that the proposal would spell an end to its existence as an armed Palestinian resistance group, while Israel would make few concessions.

Internal Divisions within Hamas

Hamas is reportedly split over how to respond, with certain officials asking for a delay to review the terms.

A senior commander has objected to the plan, viewing it as a strategy to destroy Hamas regardless of they agree.

Insiders report that Hamas is expected to request changes regarding:

  • Weapons surrender
  • Continued presence of Israeli forces in the area
  • Safeguards that the group’s leadership will not be targeted

Humanitarian Crisis Worsens

Israel persisted in its operations in Gaza City and airstrikes across the territory on Friday, killing numerous civilians.

Eleven of the victims were in Gaza City, while the others died in the south, with three in an Israeli drone strike in a southern area, which had been earlier labeled a secure area.

Israel issued its last evacuation order for Gaza City on Wednesday, with the top defense official stating that anyone remaining would be deemed affiliated with armed groups, a designation that violates international law.

Hundreds of thousands of residents remain unable to leave in the city, with numerous who are unable to pay for the trip to southern Gaza, which is said to cost a significant sum.

“Numerous civilians are stranded on roadsides, awaiting shelter,” said Sarah Davies.

United Nations agencies declared that there is no safe place for those escaping Gaza City, as zones declared as protected spaces in southern Gaza are dangerous.

A UNICEF spokesperson called the notion of a safe zone as “absurd”, stating that airstrikes are used with alarming regularity and shelters serving as refuges are regularly reduced to rubble.

Hospitals under Severe Strain

Hospitals in the south are stretched to the limit, with the Red Cross field hospital serving significantly beyond its designed patient load.

On Thursday, al-Nasser hospital admitted the remains of 27 individuals of people fatally wounded by the forces.

Dr Ahmad al-Farra characterized the situation as “extremely difficult”.

Israeli forces has been accused of targeting hospitals and medical workers, with healthcare professional said to be detained while traveling to work in the area.

Israel has often stated that arrested medical officials had links with Hamas, though without providing evidence.

Fatalities from hostilities in the strip has climbed to at least 62,622 Gazans fatally injured and approximately 170,000 hurt, according to the local health officials.

Joseph Franklin
Joseph Franklin

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