Egypt recently sent a document to the Palestinian movements of Hamas and Fatah, proposing a 60-day truce with Israel, accompanied by an exchange of prisoners and the reopening of the Rafah pass, after informing an Egyptian security source to EFE . This initiative seeks to ease tension in the region and offers an avenue for dialogue between the conflicting parties.
The document delivered by Egypt to the delegations of the Palestinian movements established that, after the start of the conflict, it will allow Israel to maintain a military presence in Gaza for a period of 60 days. Furthermore, he proposes an exchange of prisoners between the Palestinian movements and the Israeli authorities. This offer, which seeks to reduce hostilities, also includes the reopening of the Rafah crossing, which connects Gaza with Egypt, starting this December.
According to the Egyptian source, delegations from Hamas and Fatah met in Cairo to discuss this proposal, which also includes how the situation in Gaza has been handled by the Palestinian Authority. In particular, the Palestinian Authority is being considered to take control of the Palestinian side of the Rafah pass, with the supervision of European observers and the vigilance of Israel. This research aims to facilitate humanitarian access and improve management of the cross, which was closed in May when Israel occupied the area.
The document also contemplates a Hamas retreat from the Rafah Pass, which would have allowed a mayor to work with the Palestinian Authority to oversee the issue. The reopening of this passage is seen as a crucial step in alleviating Gaza's difficulties, allowing the passage of humanitarian aid and facilitating the mobility of Palestinians who attract this important access point.
Egypt, which has chosen a mediator role in the conflict between Israel and Hamas in recent years, has worked together with the United States and Cathar to negotiate a hard truce. However, Catar's participation in the negotiations has been intermittent, with its mediation frozen on several occasions. The goal is to gain an awareness that allows for the exchange of prisoners, with the possibility of freeing Palestinians in Israel in exchange for Hamas prisoners in Gaza.
On Monday, Hamas and Fatah delegations will meet separately with the head of the Egyptian intelligence service, Major General Hasan Rashad, to discuss the details of the proposal. However, so far, neither party has issued an official response on the contents of the document. Mediators have spent more than a year trying to stoke fire between Israel and Hamas, but tension in Gaza remains an obstacle to peace.
Since the beginning of the conflict on October 7, 2023, Hamas has maintained its position regarding negotiation with Israel. According to the organization's statements, we are willing to discuss any prisoner exchange proposal, provided there are international guarantees ensuring the end of the war and the protection of the Palestinian people in Gaza. These conditions include the progressive retreat of Israeli forces into Gaza in France, the return of the Palestinians to sus hogares and an increase in the entry of humanitarian aid.
The Israeli government, led by Benjamin Netanyahu, has shown in recent months its willingness to accept various Palestinian petitions, in particular regarding the withdrawal of Gaza troops. However, the negotiations have become complicated due to the intensifying exchanges of fire between Israel and Lebanon, which have created a new challenge amid attempts to reach an appreciation in Gaza.
The conflict in Gaza has caused a large amount of death since its inception, with over 44,000 casualties by the end. Of the 251 Israeli prisoners captured by Hamas during the October 7 attack, more than 97 remain in captivity in Gaza. If it was reported that half of these prisoners died during the conflict, this underlines the gravity of the situation. Despite mediation efforts, tensions continue and the possibility of a sense of peace still seems like a lesson.
The conversations on the prisoner exchange and the 60-day truce are an important step towards the possible resolution of the conflict, but the situation continues to be extremely complex. The reopening of the Rafah Pass, the retreat of Israeli troops and the return of Palestinian prisoners are some of the key elements that the parties must discuss to move towards a peaceful solution. However, it will take a coordinated effort and the political will of ambas partes, as well as the help of the international community, to achieve lasting peace in the region.
In conclusion, Egypt's proposal for a 60-day truce, accompanied by a prisoner exchange and the reopening of Rafah, represents a significant step in efforts to defuse the conflict between Israel and Hamas. If conditions are complex and tensions continue to be high, international dialogue and mediation can offer a way to alleviate the situation and allow a return to peace. However, the next few days will be crucial in determining whether the parties are willing to reach an agreement that allows for stability in the region.
