Egypt’s Efforts to Secure Cease-Fire Deal
Egypt has increased its efforts to secure a deal between Israel and Hamas amid a deteriorating humanitarian situation in the region.
Hamas Reviewing Israeli Cease-Fire Proposal
Hamas on Saturday (Apr 27) said that it was reviewing a new Israeli proposal for a cease-fire in Gaza City. A senior Hamas official Khalil al-Hayya said the Palestinian militant group was evaluating Israel’s proposal, and “upon completion of its study, it will submit its response”.
The official didn’t provide another details on Israel’s offer but said it was in response to a proposal from Hamas two weeks ago.
Egypt’s Mediation Efforts
This development comes as Egypt increased its efforts to secure a deal between Israel and Hamas amid a deteriorating humanitarian situation in the region and calls to prevent an Israeli ground offensive into the southern Gaza city of Rafah.
Hezbollah’s Warning
Meanwhile, Hezbollah’s Deputy Secretary General Naim Qassem warns that full-scale war will not bring residents of northern Israel home. He said that it will end their presence there “once and for all”.
“[Defense Minister Yoav] Gallant threatens us that if we don’t stop the attacks, he will attack Lebanon to return the residents of the north to their homes,” he says, in a statement quoted in Hebrew media.
“I say to Gallant that this war will not only cause the Zionists to not return to their homes but is likely to end their presence in the northern occupied territories once and for all,” he added.