Egypt has called on the international community to pressure Israel to halt the ongoing conflict in Gaza. Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdel Ati stated that the decision for a ceasefire now rests with Israel. If implemented, this decision could help alleviate the severe humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
Mediating countries recently proposed a new ceasefire between Hamas and Israel, suggesting a 60-day pause in fighting and the release of 10 living hostages by Hamas during this period. While Hamas has agreed to the proposal, Israel has said it will give a formal response by Friday.
However, a source from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office indicated that the country intends to release not just 10 living hostages but a total of 50, including both living and deceased. This suggests that Israel is effectively rejecting the new proposal.
Meanwhile, Egypt has deployed a large number of troops along the Gaza border. There are concerns that in the event of a major attack in Gaza City, a significant number of people may attempt to cross into the northern Sinai region. A military official in Egypt stated that approximately 40,000 troops are currently deployed along the border—far exceeding the number stipulated in the 1979 Israel-Egypt peace agreement.
He also noted that this deployment was carried out under the direct orders of President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi and came into effect following a meeting of the National Security Council and the Supreme Council of the Armed Forces.