Cairo, Aug 13 — Egypt has announced that it is working closely with Qatar and the United States to broker a 60-day ceasefire in Gaza, marking a renewed push to halt the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas. The effort underscores the key role Egypt, Qatar, and the US have played as mediators since the outbreak of the war following Hamas’ October 7, 2023, attack.
Speaking at a press conference in Cairo on Tuesday, Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty emphasized the urgency of the negotiations. “We are working very hard now in full cooperation with the Qataris and Americans,” he said. “The main objective is to go back to the original proposal — to have a ceasefire for 60 days, with the release of some hostages and some Palestinian detainees, and the flow of humanitarian and medical assistance to Gaza without restrictions, without conditions.”
Abdelatty added that discussions are ongoing with both Hamas and Israeli officials, guided by a recent US-proposed plan. “We are talking with Hamas, with the Israelis, and pushing for a deal that ensures the protection of civilians and the delivery of essential aid,” he said.
A Palestinian source familiar with the negotiations revealed that mediators are attempting to formulate a comprehensive ceasefire agreement that would include the release of all remaining hostages in Gaza “in one batch.” This highlights the international community’s focus not only on halting hostilities but also on addressing humanitarian concerns and restoring some stability to the region.
Previous attempts to secure a lasting ceasefire have encountered significant obstacles. Last month, over two weeks of intensive talks in Doha failed to produce a breakthrough, with Hamas negotiators withdrawing after the United States and Israel pulled their own delegations. US Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff attributed the deadlock to Hamas, stating that Washington would “consider alternative options” following the failure to reach an agreement. A short-lived truce earlier this year similarly collapsed, emphasizing the complexity of negotiations in the region.
Egypt continues to serve as a central mediator in the talks. Two Palestinian sources confirmed that a senior Hamas delegation is expected to arrive in Cairo soon for further discussions with Egyptian officials, signaling a potential path toward progress. Observers note that these efforts reflect the broader international aim of achieving a ceasefire that can provide humanitarian relief, secure hostage releases, and lay the groundwork for longer-term peace discussions.
The next few weeks are expected to be critical, with diplomatic teams working intensively to finalize a deal that addresses both security concerns and the urgent needs of civilians in Gaza.
