Pressure grows to achieve a truce in Gaza to prevent the Israeli offensive in Rafah

In an attempt to reach a truce in the Gaza Strip, Egypt has restarted negotiations with Israel and Hamas. However, there is growing frustration among mediators such as Cairo and Doha, who question the effectiveness of their role as intermediaries. Adding to this is the Israeli offensive in Gaza, resulting in numerous deaths and worsening famine conditions due to soaring temperatures in the summer.

While specific details of the proposed deal have not been disclosed, it is known that Israel suggested an external Arab force to oversee security in Gaza, a suggestion rejected by Hamas. The Palestinian organization insists on a complete withdrawal of Israeli forces for a permanent truce, which apparently is not part of the current ceasefire initiative.

Initially, it was speculated that all hostages held by Hamas, around 130 captives, would be released. However, this number has been reduced to 30 or 40, indicating a possible agreement to only free women and children. In return, Israel would release dozens of Palestinian detainees and observe a pause in the 40-day offensive.

US President Joe Biden has called on Egypt and Qatar to make every effort for the release of hostages and an immediate ceasefire. Hamas claims to be studying the proposal and aims to respond quickly. On the other hand, Israel has reportedly refused to send a delegation to Cairo.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has emphasized that Hamas stands between a ceasefire and the people of Gaza. He hopes that Hamas will make the right decision and bring about a fundamental change in the situation. The truce agreement, if reached, could prevent an Israeli invasion of Rafah, a city in Gaza housing over a million displaced Palestinians.

However, opinions within the Israeli Government vary on the ceasefire agreement and the ground offensive in Gaza. The Minister of National Security threatens to dismantle the Government if any concessions are made to Hamas. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu sees the operation in Rafah and the hostage release negotiations as separate issues, vowing to achieve total victory regardless of a truce agreement.