Egypt, Qatar push for urgent Gaza ceasefire talks: WashPo
Egypt's Foreign Ministry condemned "Israel's" renewed military operations, describing them as a "blatant violation of the ceasefire agreement" and warning of "severe consequences for the stability of the region."
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A boy reacts as he looks at the body of a person killed during overnight Israeli army airstrikes across the Gaza Strip in the yard of the Al-Ahli hospital in Gaza City, Tuesday, March 18, 2025 (AP Photo/Jehad Alshrafi)
The Washington Post on Tuesday reported that Egypt and Qatar are working to arrange urgent ceasefire talks in Cairo following "Israel's" breach of a truce agreement, which led to one of the deadliest days of the war on Gaza. The renewed Israeli aggression has resulted in hundreds of Palestinian casualties, with entire neighborhoods leveled in indiscriminate airstrikes.
A former Egyptian official familiar with the discussions stated, "Egypt and Qatar are planning to have quick connection with Israel side for urgent ceasefire and to start arranging quick meetings in Cairo for entering the next phase and exchange hostages and prisoners in order to achieve peace." The official, who spoke anonymously due to the sensitivity of the matter, added, "Egypt is trying to contact the American side to put some pressure on [Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu] to accept the ceasefire."
Israel's Escalation and Humanitarian Collapse in Gaza
Egypt's Foreign Ministry condemned "Israel's" renewed military operations, describing them as a "blatant violation of the ceasefire agreement" and warning of "severe consequences for the stability of the region." Despite international calls to halt the assault, "Israel" has intensified its bombardment of civilian areas, targeting refugee camps, residential buildings, and hospitals.
The Government Media Office in Gaza reported that over 322 people were killed or remain missing in just five hours. According to Gaza's Health Ministry, at least 254 Palestinians were martyred, and more than 440 were injured in the initial wave of attacks, overwhelming an already collapsing healthcare system. Major General Mahmoud Abu Watfa, Deputy Minister of Interior in Gaza, was among those killed in an Israeli strike.
Hospitals, already crippled by "Israel's" blockade on medical supplies and fuel, are unable to accommodate the rising number of casualties. Dr. Mohammad Abu Salmiya, director of Al-Shifa Hospital, warned that "the morgues are unable to accommodate any more martyrs" and described the situation as "catastrophic and tragic." UNICEF reported that Israeli airstrikes have also struck tents and shelters housing displaced Palestinian families.
The Israeli regime has issued evacuation orders for multiple areas, leaving civilians with no safe place to seek refuge. The Ministry of Education in Gaza has suspended classes indefinitely due to the relentless attacks.
Read more: Arab, Palestinian parties condemn Israeli aggression on Gaza
Israeli Violations and US Backing of Aggression
The ceasefire deal, which was supposed to move into its second phase more than two weeks ago, has not been honored. Instead, "Israel" has chosen to align itself with a new US-backed proposal that Hamas argues undermines the original terms intended to end the war. Israeli media have reported that despite ongoing military operations, ceasefire and prisoner exchange negotiations are continuing "under fire."
In response to accusations that it violated the agreement, "Israel's" Foreign Ministry attempted to shift blame onto Hamas, stating, "We have reached this situation after Hamas repeatedly refused proposals to extend the ceasefire and release our hostages." The ministry further claimed, "Hamas rejected two concrete mediation proposals presented by the US President's envoy, Steve Witkoff. Israel agreed to these mediation proposals. Hamas refused them."
Palestinian officials, however, assert that "Israel" never intended to uphold the ceasefire and instead used the pause to prepare for further attacks. The Government Media Office in Gaza condemned the escalation as an extension of "Israel's genocide against civilians" and pointed to the ongoing blockade, which has deprived over 2.4 million Palestinians of food, medicine, and essential supplies.