News of War Staff Writer
In high-stakes negotiations, the United States has disclosed that critical talks are in progress regarding a new ceasefire in Gaza and the potential release of additional Israeli hostages. However, the outcome remains uncertain as Hamas maintains a firm stance, refusing to consider any terms short of a full termination of Israel's operations in the Palestinian territory.
Amid these pressing circumstances, Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh made a strategic visit to Egypt on Wednesday, seeking to engage with Egyptian mediators who are orchestrating efforts to establish another ceasefire.
Sources close to the matter reveal that discussions are centered on identifying which hostages could be liberated by Palestinian Islamist factions in Gaza in exchange for Palestinian detainees Israel might agree to release.
Complementing these efforts, a representative from Islamic Jihad, another Palestinian group involved in the hostage situation, indicated plans for their leader to join the Egyptian dialogue aimed at resolving the conflict.
White House spokesperson John Kirby characterized the ongoing dialogue as "very serious," expressing hope for a positive direction, while aboard Air Force One on Wednesday.
In contrast, Taher Al-Nono, a media advisor to Haniyeh, specified to Reuters that Hamas's willingness to discuss the release of Israeli hostages hinges on the cessation of Israel's military actions in Gaza and an increase in humanitarian assistance for Palestinians.
Hamas has voiced a definitive rejection of any temporary halts in Israel's military campaign, advocating solely for a comprehensive ceasefire. "Our conversations with our Egyptian counterparts have been clear about the immediate need to stop the aggression," Al-Nono stated during his time in Cairo.
Israel, for its part, has demanded the release of all women and men with health conditions among the hostages, according to insiders familiar with the talks.
The ongoing conflict, which has surpassed 10 weeks, was initiated by Israel in response to a raid by Hamas on October 7th. The operation resulted in the capture of around 240 hostages and led to the deaths of 1,200 individuals, as reported by Israel.
The campaign has seen a significant escalation with a combined ground and air assault on the Gaza Strip by Israel, leading to nearly 20,000 confirmed fatalities, as reported by Gazan health officials, and concerns about additional casualties under the debris.
Humanitarian organizations have raised alarms about the dire conditions faced by Gaza's 2.3 million inhabitants, who have been displaced and are suffering from severe shortages of food, clean water, and medical supplies.
President Joe Biden, addressing the issue, tempered expectations for an imminent deal concerning the hostages, though he asserted, "We're pushing," in remarks to the press.
Haniyeh's engagement in the diplomatic discussions marks a significant personal investment, indicating a potential breakthrough. His last trip to Egypt preceded the announcement of the sole ceasefire to date in the ongoing war, which facilitated the release of approximately 110 hostages.
While Israel has remained silent on the current discussions, it has expressed its unwillingness to agree to a permanent ceasefire until the threat posed by Hamas is neutralized.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has been adamant that the conflict will conclude only with the elimination of Hamas, the liberation of all hostages, and the assurance that Gaza no longer poses a threat to Israel.
Meanwhile, the U.S. has amplified its appeals to Israel to moderate its military strategy, focusing on Hamas leadership and curtailing the widespread bombardment that has led to extensive civilian casualties.
The conflict's repercussions have extended to the Red Sea, where Yemen's Houthi forces, in solidarity with the Palestinian cause, have launched attacks on commercial vessels, prompting the U.S. to establish a multinational force to counter these threats.
On the diplomatic front, the United Nations Security Council is poised to vote on a proposal to augment aid to Gaza, a move initially postponed at the behest of the U.S., as per diplomatic sources.
Gradual increases in aid to Gaza have been observed following the opening of an additional crossing into the region. Cyprus and Israel are currently deliberating on establishing a maritime route to expedite aid delivery, though an official agreement is yet to be confirmed.