Egypt, Qatar, Turkey Near Ceasefire Deal Amid Gaza Conflict

Egypt is actively engaged in mediation efforts with Qatar, the United States, and Turkey to broker a ceasefire and end the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas in Gaza. The proposed initiative includes a comprehensive prisoner exchange, involving the release of all living Israeli captives and the return of bodies, in exchange for the release of Palestinian prisoners, alongside Hamas's conditional acceptance of a revised Israeli military deployment map overseen by Arab and American parties. A transitional phase is also proposed, during which Hamas would suspend its armed activities under guarantees from mediators and Turkey, while negotiations continue toward a permanent ceasefire. Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty emphasized the ongoing mediation efforts and the necessity of renewed negotiations, warning of the grave humanitarian situation exacerbated by Israel's restrictions on aid and its plan to fully occupy Gaza. Abdelatty accused Israel of genocide in Gaza and highlighted the worsening famine due to limited humanitarian aid access. The mediation efforts aim to prevent further deterioration and achieve a comprehensive agreement to end the war in Gaza despite stalled talks and Israel’s continued military offensives.