Gaza War: Accelerated Egyptian-Qatari Mediation Seeks Resolution

Smoke rises after an Israeli airstrike on the Gaza Strip (AP)
Smoke rises after an Israeli airstrike on the Gaza Strip (AP)
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Gaza War: Accelerated Egyptian-Qatari Mediation Seeks Resolution

Smoke rises after an Israeli airstrike on the Gaza Strip (AP)
Smoke rises after an Israeli airstrike on the Gaza Strip (AP)

Egypt has lately pressed ahead with its efforts to finalize positions regarding the framework proposed by Cairo to end the war in the Gaza Strip.

However, there has been no official response from any concerned party, according to official confirmations.

Simultaneously, several positions from the side of Hamas have surfaced, reaffirming the movement's previously declared stance.

This stance asserts that there will be “no negotiations on any deal with Israel without a complete and comprehensive ceasefire.”

Observers speculate that Yahya Sinwar, the leader of Hamas in Gaza, might lean towards accepting the Egyptian proposal.

Meanwhile, Israel has yet to declare a clear position on the same proposal or a separate Qatari initiative for a prisoner exchange.

Israeli media quoted an official indicating “slight progress” in the ongoing talks on a prisoner exchange deal between Israel and Hamas, emphasizing that “the road ahead is still long.”

Egypt had presented what was described as a “framework proposal,” consisting of three consecutive and interconnected stages that culminate in a ceasefire.

On Saturday, Egypt reiterated its rejection of any interference in Palestinian affairs and stated that it had presented a “framework proposal" regarding the cessation of hostilities in Gaza.

The aim is to bridge the perspectives between the involved parties, although a formal initiative has not yet been put forth.

Egypt’s Chairman of the State Information Service Diaa Rashwan emphasized to the Arab World Press that recent speculations are inaccurate.

He clarified that all matters related to the Palestinian issue are solely the concern of the Palestinian people, and no external parties can intervene.

Dismissing rumors about the formation of a Palestinian government through non-Palestinian external intervention, Rashwan stated that such claims are unfounded.

Rashwan outlined Egypt’s proposal, consisting of three stages that entail extendable ceasefires and the gradual release of dozens of prisoners held by Hamas.

This exchange is contingent on the release of Palestinian prisoners from Israeli jails, ultimately leading to a cessation of hostilities.



Palestinian UN Ambassador Says Security Council Must Demand Ceasefire in Gaza

Permanent Observer for the State of Palestine to the United Nations, Riyad Mansour speaks during a United Nations Security Council meeting on the situation in Gaza, at UN headquarters in New York City, US, October 16, 2024. (Reuters)
Permanent Observer for the State of Palestine to the United Nations, Riyad Mansour speaks during a United Nations Security Council meeting on the situation in Gaza, at UN headquarters in New York City, US, October 16, 2024. (Reuters)
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Palestinian UN Ambassador Says Security Council Must Demand Ceasefire in Gaza

Permanent Observer for the State of Palestine to the United Nations, Riyad Mansour speaks during a United Nations Security Council meeting on the situation in Gaza, at UN headquarters in New York City, US, October 16, 2024. (Reuters)
Permanent Observer for the State of Palestine to the United Nations, Riyad Mansour speaks during a United Nations Security Council meeting on the situation in Gaza, at UN headquarters in New York City, US, October 16, 2024. (Reuters)

Arab nations and the Palestinians are pushing for a UN Security Council resolution that demands an immediate ceasefire in Gaza.

Asked to respond to Israel and Hamas saying they don’t want a ceasefire following the Israeli killing of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar, Riyad Mansour, the Palestinian UN ambassador, told reporters Friday that the decision isn’t up to them.

“It is not up to the fighting parties to dictate upon all of us their wishes and their activities, ... especially Israel,” he said. “It is the duty of the Security Council to say, `We demand an immediate ceasefire and compliance by all parties, and we demand that to take place, for example, within 24 hours or within 48 hours.”

Mansour said it should not be “taboo” for the Security Council to draft a resolution under Chapter 7 of the UN Charter, which would make it militarily enforceable.

Mansour was speaking after he and 10 Arab ambassadors met with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres.

The Palestinian ambassador said they discussed a leaked proposal from Israeli generals to declare northern Gaza a military zone and seal it off, which he said would threaten 400,000 Palestinians there with death or starvation.

Mansour expressed hope that the often divided Security Council has “the spine and the strength and the determination” to stop that from happening and demand an immediate cease-fire and the delivery of humanitarian assistance throughout Gaza, “and to allow for opening a door to a political horizon.”