June 4, 2024 – Egypt and the United Kingdom have urged Hamas and Israel to agree on a cease-fire in the Gaza Strip, following a proposal by U.S. President Joe Biden. This call was made during a phone conversation between Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry and his British counterpart, David Cameron, as detailed in a statement from Egypt’s Foreign Ministry.
President Biden’s proposed plan, which Israel introduced on Friday, involves a three-phase process aimed at ending hostilities and securing the release of hostages held in Gaza. The plan includes an immediate cease-fire, a hostage-prisoner exchange, and the reconstruction of Gaza.
Both Shoukry and Cameron expressed their support for efforts to achieve a cease-fire and encouraged Hamas and Israel to finalize the agreement to alleviate the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Shoukry emphasized Egypt’s commitment to ending the conflict, ensuring humanitarian aid access, facilitating the complete withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza, and aiding the return of displaced persons.
Shoukry also called for an end to Israeli military operations, particularly in Rafah, and for the opening of all crossings between Israel and Gaza to allow the full entry of humanitarian aid.
Hamas indicated a willingness to respond positively to any proposal that includes a permanent cease-fire, a full Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, reconstruction efforts, the return of displaced persons, and a comprehensive hostage exchange deal. However, there has been no official response from Israel or Hamas to Biden’s proposal.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated on Monday that he is “not ready to stop” the war in Gaza, labeling Biden’s remarks about a cease-fire proposal as “inaccurate.” Netanyahu’s coalition partners, National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, have threatened to withdraw support for the government if Netanyahu agrees to Biden’s cease-fire plan.
Indirect negotiations between Israel and Hamas, mediated by the U.S., Qatar, and Egypt, have not yet resulted in a permanent cease-fire agreement.
The conflict in Gaza has resulted in over 36,500 Palestinian deaths, the majority of whom are women and children, and nearly 83,000 injuries, according to local health authorities. The war has left large areas of Gaza in ruins amid a severe blockade of food, clean water, and medicine.
The International Court of Justice has accused Israel of genocide and has ordered an immediate halt to operations in Rafah, where over a million Palestinians sought refuge before it was invaded on May 6.–News Desk