Qatar, Egypt seek deals for 'pauses' amid Israeli aggression on Gaza
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AFP sources say Qatar is mediating a brief pause to the Israeli aggression on Gaza in return for the release of a number of captives.
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Israeli protesters calling for a ceasefire to secure the return of captives held by the Resistance in Gaza near the headquarters of the Israeli Security Ministry in "Tel Aviv," in October 2023 (AFP)
An agreement to establish a pause to the Israeli aggression on Gaza in return for the release of a number of captives is currently being mediated by Qatar, AFP reported on Wednesday, citing sources.
This comes as the Israeli massacres in the Strip exceeded one thousand, resulting in more than 10,000 martyrs, over half of which are children and women, and a full collapse of the health sector.
"Negotiations mediated by the Qataris in coordination with the US are ongoing to secure the release of 10-15 hostages in exchange for a one- to two-day ceasefire," the source said, speaking on condition of anonymity.
In the same context, in a separate effort, Egyptian sources revealed today that Cairo is close to reaching a "humanitarian truce" in the Gaza Strip to exchange prisoners and captives, as reported by Al Qahera News.
The sources also explained that Egypt is conducting extensive communications to reach a "humanitarian truce" in the Gaza Strip.
Earlier, during his meeting with CIA Director William Burns, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi stressed the necessity of an immediate ceasefire in the Gaza Strip.
According to a presidential spokesperson, the meeting was also attended by Director of the General Intelligence Service Abbas Kamel.
During the meeting, both emphasized the strong strategic partnership between Egypt and the US and its vital role in Middle East security and stability, spokesperson Ahmed Fahmy said, adding that both sides committed to enhancing cooperation, especially in security and intelligence, to address regional challenges and promote stability.
The discussion also included various regional and international concerns, with a focus on the Israeli aggression on Gaza.
El-Sisi reiterated Egypt's call for an immediate ceasefire to protect civilians and facilitate humanitarian aid.
On his part, Burns expressed his commitment to closely coordinate with Egypt to resolve the ongoing war.
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Along with the violent bombardment of health facilities and residential buildings, the occupation entity has imposed a complete blockade on Gaza, which led to what was described by international human rights organizations as the worst humanitarian catastrophe in decades.
The Palestinian Health Ministry announced on Wednesday that the number of martyrs in the Gaza Strip has risen to 10,569 Palestinians, including 4,324 children and 2,823 women.
Moreover, 2,550 Palestinians have been reported missing, including 1,350 Palestinian children, who are most likely stuck under the rubble and presumed martyred.
Moreover, the Israeli occupation has so far killed 193 medical workers, destroyed 45 ambulances, targeted 120 medical institutions, and put 18 hospitals and 40 medical centers out of service through the brutal policies it has imposed on the Palestinian people.
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Al-Qassam proposed last month an all-for-all exchange of prisoners, which was met with approval by the Israeli captives' families who launched angry protests demanding their government to take the deal.
The group's spokesperson Abu Obeida revealed last Wednesday that Hamas wanted to release 12 foreign captives last week, but its efforts were obstructed by the Israeli occupation.
He confirmed that the Resistance group was prepared to release foreign captives, though the situation on the ground and the Israeli occupation were jeopardizing their lives and disrupting the release process.
However, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu disregarded the proposal and chose to neglect the opportunity of striking a deal.
In response to the government's performance on the issue, the families of captives held by the Resistance in Gaza organized on Tuesday a protest in "Tel Aviv", during which one of the captive's grandsons stated, "A month ago, the contract between the people and the state was shattered. Hamas represents a great and terrible threat, but as soon as 240 people were abducted, the entire population is not free."
