Israeli negotiators, including Mossad chief David Barnea and Shin Bet head Ronen Bar, are in Cairo for crucial discussions on a potential Gaza truce. The talks, led by Egypt with mediation from Qatar and the United States, aim to resolve the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, the Palestinian Islamist group.
The primary sticking point in the negotiations remains the presence of Israeli troops along Gaza’s southern border. The far-right government of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu recently extended existing beach concession agreements until the end of the year, and the latest developments indicate that Rome will have to comply with EU rules from early 2025.
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has emphasized the urgency of reaching a deal, noting that time is running out. He has stressed that the truce needs to be finalized “in the days ahead.”
Fighting in Gaza has intensified, with reports of combat in the northern region, heavy shelling in the central areas, and tank fire near Rafah in the south. The UN has reported significant displacement, with tens of thousands of civilians fleeing from Deir el-Balah and Khan Younis following Israeli evacuation orders. The conflict has displaced approximately 90% of Gaza’s population, leading to severe shortages of shelter, clean water, and other essentials. The World Health Organization has also confirmed a polio case in Gaza, highlighting the deteriorating humanitarian situation.
Israeli military operations have resulted in numerous casualties, with recent reports indicating the elimination of dozens of militants in central Gaza. Despite earlier withdrawals from Khan Younis, the military has resumed operations in the area, exacerbating the hardships faced by civilians.
The war began following a Hamas attack on southern Israel on October 7, which resulted in 1,199 Israeli deaths. In retaliation, Israel’s military campaign has led to the deaths of 40,265 Palestinians, according to Gaza’s health ministry, though specifics on civilian versus militant casualties are not detailed.
Palestinian militants have taken 251 hostages, with 105 still held in Gaza. The Israeli military has recovered the remains of six hostages, indicating they were shot, although investigations into their deaths are ongoing.
Diplomatic efforts to broker a truce have been complicated by threats from Iran and its allies. US Vice President Kamala Harris has called for urgent action to secure a hostage deal and ceasefire. The framework under discussion includes a three-phase plan proposed by President Joe Biden, involving a ceasefire, a prisoner exchange, and Israeli troop withdrawal from Gaza’s populated areas.
Despite reports suggesting Netanyahu’s acceptance of a US bridging proposal for a truce, Israeli officials have denied such claims. Netanyahu’s coalition, supported by hard-right members opposed to a truce, views control of the Philadelphi corridor as crucial for preventing Hamas rearmament.
The conflict has also drawn in regional actors, with Hezbollah and Israeli forces engaging in border skirmishes and Houthi rebels in Yemen conducting missile and drone strikes in the Red Sea. The Philippines has advised its mariners to avoid the Red Sea following an attack on a Filipino crewed oil tanker.
US forces have intercepted Houthi drones in recent days, further highlighting the escalating regional tensions.