Report: Egypt and Qatar continue to push for extension of ceasefire in Gaza

According to a senior Egyptian official, the new proposal would allow Hamas to transfer three live hostages and three bodies of hostages to Israel during this extended period.

The goal of the extension is to provide a window for further negotiations about the second phase of the ceasefire. During this phase, both sides hope to establish terms for a more sustainable peace, with the focus initially on hostages' return. The Egyptian official expressed confidence that Hamas would likely agree to the proposal, noting that Egypt is relying on pressure from the United States to persuade Israel to accept the extension.

Additionally, the Egyptian official indicated that Israel has shown no intention of renewing military operations in Gaza in the immediate future, which provides a window for diplomacy. In recent discussions between Israeli and Egyptian officials, Egypt called for a full withdrawal of the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) from the Philadelphi route, a strategic area along the Gaza-Egypt border. However, Egypt also made it clear that it would not provide guarantees regarding Israel’s concerns about weapons smuggling through the border.

In a further development, a senior U.S. official reportedly blamed Egypt for security lapses at the Gaza border, which allowed Hamas to strengthen its military position. This criticism underscores the complexities of the situation, with Egypt caught between maintaining its diplomatic efforts for peace and facing international scrutiny over its role in the ongoing conflict.

As the situation remains fluid, Egypt and Qatar continue their efforts to keep the ceasefire in place, hoping to bring about a longer-term solution that benefits both sides.