Hamas Weighing New Ceasefire Proposal as Egypt Warns of Catastrophic Consequences

Hamas has stated that it is evaluating a new Israeli proposal for a ceasefire in Gaza, with senior official Khalil al-Hayya providing no specific details about the offer. This comes after Israel reportedly presented its response to a previous proposal from Hamas two weeks ago during negotiations earlier this month, which centered around a six-week truce and the release of hundreds of Palestinian prisoners in Israeli prisons as exchange for 40 civilian and sick hostages. The international community is urging both parties to reach an agreement before Israel’s planned ground offensive into Rafah on the border with Egypt, where Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar is believed to be hiding. This has been a long-standing plan by Israeli officials who have informed an Egyptian delegation that this represents their last opportunity for peace talks before any military action ensues. Egypt warns of “catastrophic consequences” if Israel proceeds with the ground operation, as it could exacerbate the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and threaten regional security while famine becomes more apparent daily within Palestinians’ shelters packed into overcrowded UNRWA schools. The Israeli military has already deployed scores of tanks and armoured vehicles nearby Rafah following consistent bombing sorties over the city, with Secretary of State Antony Blinken scheduled to visit Israel next week amidst ongoing protests on US campuses regarding university ties with companies supporting Israel’s efforts in Gaza that have prompted students to call for cuts.