Egyptian Diplomatic Chief Pressures Hamas to Embrace Trump's Gaza Proposal and Disarm

Cairo and Qatar are actively pursuing efforts to persuade Hamas to comply with the former US president's demand to stop the conflict in the Gaza Strip, as stated by Egypt's top diplomat.

Growing Diplomatic Pressure on the Group

Egypt's foreign minister stated that the moment has arrived for the organization to lay down its weapons and not give Israeli forces any pretext to continue its operations in the region, where numerous civilians were lost their lives on Friday.

“Hamas should not be used as an excuse for the relentless killing of innocents, a situation that has worsened significantly since last year,” the minister remarked.

He explained 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 require Hamas to:

  • Lay down its arms and cease political involvement
  • Hand over the hostages still held from the 2023 attack, 20 of whom are thought to survive

As part of the deal, Israel would:

  • Pull back its military from the territory
  • Succeeded by an global peacekeeping unit
  • Allow a temporary government under Trump

Experts concur that the initiative would effectively terminate the group's role as an militant organization, while the Israeli side would make few concessions.

Split Opinions within Hamas

The organization is reportedly split over the appropriate answer, with some members requesting more time to consider the deal.

Izz al-Din al-Haddad has opposed the proposal, considering it a strategy to destroy the group if they accept.

Sources close to the group indicate that the faction is inclined to seek modifications regarding:

  • The requirement to lay down arms
  • Continued presence of military in the area
  • Guarantees that the top officials will not be pursued

Humanitarian Crisis Deteriorates

Israeli forces continued its offensive in Gaza City and shelling across the territory on Friday, killing two dozen individuals.

Eleven of the casualties were in Gaza City, while the rest perished in the south, with three in an unmanned aircraft attack in a southern area, which had been once declared a secure area.

The Israeli military issued its final warning for the city on Wednesday, with the top defense official stating that anyone remaining would be considered a terrorist or terrorist supporter, a designation that violates global norms.

Numerous of residents remain stranded in the city, including those who cannot afford the evacuation to southern Gaza, which allegedly requires over a thousand dollars.

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

United Nations agencies said that there is no safe place for those escaping the city, as areas designated as protected spaces in southern Gaza are lethal.

A UN official described the idea of secure areas as “farcical”, stating that explosives are launched with alarming regularity and shelters serving as temporary shelters are regularly reduced to rubble.

Medical Services under Overwhelming Demand

Healthcare centers in the south are stretched to the limit, with the medical unit accommodating significantly beyond its normal limits.

Earlier, al-Nasser hospital admitted 27 bodies of people fatally wounded by the forces.

A senior doctor referred to the circumstances as “exceptionally challenging”.

Israeli forces has been accused of striking healthcare facilities and staff, with medical staff reportedly “abducted” while traveling to work in the area.

Authorities has previously claimed that apprehended doctors had links with the group, though lacking proof.

The overall death toll from the conflict in the strip has amounted to at least 62,622 Gazans killed and approximately 170,000 wounded, per the medical sources.

Kyle Cooper
Kyle Cooper

Tech strategist and writer passionate about AI advancements and digital solutions.