Egypt Confirms Ongoing Talks to Broker Gaza Ceasefire, Urges Flexibility Amid Humanitarian Crisis
A senior Egyptian official confirmed ongoing communications with all parties involved in the Gaza conflict, as Egypt intensifies efforts to broker a ceasefire agreement "as soon as possible."
The official revealed that Egyptian, Qatari, and American coordination is continuing regarding negotiations over a potential ceasefire and a detainee exchange deal. Egypt, the official added, has urged both sides to show the necessary flexibility to reach an agreement that could ease the deepening humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip.
"There are intensive Egyptian contacts aimed at narrowing the gaps between the concerned parties and restoring calm," the source said.
These developments come as U.S. envoy Steve Wietkoff told *Axios* on Monday that he was "disappointed" by Hamas's rejection of his latest proposal for a new deal involving hostages and a ceasefire in Gaza.
Wietkoff said he had communicated directly with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his senior advisor Ron Dermer, as well as with Hamas leadership through a backchannel facilitated by Palestinian-American businessman Beshara Bahbah. 'What I saw from Hamas was disappointing and completely unacceptable,' Wietkoff stated.
On the other hand, Hamas officials informed Arab media outlets on Monday that the United States had presented a new proposal aimed at reaching a deal over hostages and a 60-day ceasefire.
According to reports, the proposal calls for the release of five living Israeli hostages on the first day of the ceasefire and another five on the final day. The plan also reportedly includes increased humanitarian aid deliveries to Gaza and a withdrawal of Israeli forces to positions held in March, prior to the latest escalation in fighting.
Notably, Egypt remains a central mediator, seeking to defuse tensions and push both sides toward a breakthrough amid growing international pressure for a resolution.
read more
Gold prices rise, 21 Karat at EGP 3685
NATO's Role in Israeli-Palestinian Conflict
US Expresses 'Strong Opposition' to New Turkish Military Operation in Syria
Shoukry Meets Director-General of FAO
Lavrov: confrontation bet. nuclear powers must be avoided
News
Iran Summons French Ambassador over Foreign Minister Remarks
News
Aboul Gheit Condemns Israeli Escalation in West Bank
News
Greek PM: Athens Plays Key Role in Improving Energy Security in Region
News
One Person Injured in Explosion at Ukrainian Embassy in Madrid
News
Ayat Khaddoura's Final Video Captures Bombardment of Beit Lahia
News
Australia Fines Telegram $600,000 Over Terrorism, Child Abuse Content
Arts & Culture
Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban's $4.7M LA Home Burglarized
Sports
Former Al Zamalek Player Ibrahim Shika Passes away after Long Battle with Cancer
Sports
Neymar Announced for Brazil's Preliminary List for 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers
News
Prime Minister Moustafa Madbouly Inaugurates Two Indian Companies
Arts & Culture
New Archaeological Discovery from 26th Dynasty Uncovered in Karnak Temple
Business
Fear & Greed Index Plummets to Lowest Level Ever Recorded amid Global Trade War
Arts & Culture
Zahi Hawass: Claims of Columns Beneath the Pyramid of Khafre Are Lies
News
Flights suspended at Port Sudan Airport after Drone Attacks
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Al-Ahram Weekly
an hour ago
- Al-Ahram Weekly
Macron decision to recognise Palestinian state meets criticism from right and praise from left
France defended its decision to recognise Palestinian statehood amid domestic far-right and US criticism but praise from the pro-Palestinian left at home. President Emmanuel Macron said Thursday that his country would formally recognise a Palestinian state during a UN meeting in September, the most powerful European nation to announce such a move. Macron's announcement drew condemnation from Israel, which said it "rewards terror", while US Secretary of State Marco Rubio called it "reckless" and said it "only serves Hamas propaganda". Mike Huckabee, US ambassador to Israel, quipped that Macron did not say where a future Palestinian state would be located. "I can now exclusively disclose that France will offer the French Riviera & the new nation will be called "Franc-en-Stine", he said on X. Hamas itself -- which is designated a terrorist group by the United States and the European Union -- praised the French initiative, saying it was "a positive step in the right direction toward doing justice to our oppressed Palestinian people". But French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot on Friday argued that Macron's initiative went against what the militant group wanted. "Hamas has always ruled out a two-state solution. By recognising Palestine, France goes against that terrorist organisation," Barrot said on X. With its decision, France was "backing the side of peace against the side of war", Barrot added. Domestic reactions ranged from praise on the left, condemnation on the right and awkward silence in the ranks of the government itself. 'Counter-productive', 'pointless' The leader of the far-right National Rally (RN), Jordan Bardella, said the announcement was "rushed" and afforded Hamas "unexpected institutional and international legitimacy". On the other side of the political spectrum Jean-Luc Melenchon, boss of the far-left France Unbowed party, called Macron's announcement "a moral victory", although he deplored that it did not take effect immediately. Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau, a right-winger whose relationship with Macron is tense, declined on Friday to give his opinion, saying he was currently busy with an unrelated "serious topic" linked to the "security of French people on holiday". But the vice president of his party, Les Républicains, Xavier Bellamy, blasted the decision as possibly "counter-productive" or, at best, "pointless". The move risked "endangering Israeli civilians" as well as "Palestinian civilians who are victims of Hamas's barbarism", he said. Bellamy said that Macron's move was a departure from the president's previously set conditions for recognition of Palestine, which included a Hamas demilitarisation, the movement's exclusion from any future government, the liberation of all Israeli hostages in Gaza and the recognition of Israel by several Arab states. "None of them have been met," he said. While France would be the most significant European country to recognise a Palestinian state, others have hinted they could do the same. Britain's Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced he would hold a call on Friday with counterparts in Germany and France on efforts to stop the fighting, adding that a ceasefire would "put us on a path to the recognition of a Palestinian state". Norway, Spain, Ireland and Slovenia all announced recognition following the outbreak of the Gaza conflict, along with several other non-European countries. Once France follows through on its announcement, a total of at least 142 countries will have recognised Palestinian statehood. *This story was edited by Ahram Online. Follow us on: Facebook Instagram Whatsapp Short link:
See - Sada Elbalad
an hour ago
- See - Sada Elbalad
France to Join 143 Nations, Including Most of Europe, in Recognizing State of Palestine at UN in September
Ahmed Emam French President Emmanuel Macron announced that France will officially recognize the State of Palestine during the United Nations General Assembly in New York this September, joining 143 countries worldwide — including the majority of European states — that have already extended diplomatic recognition to Palestine. 'In line with our historic commitment to a just and lasting peace in the Middle East, I have decided that France will recognize the State of Palestine,' Macron said in a statement posted on his official X and Instagram accounts. 'I will make this recognition official during the UN General Assembly this September.' The French president stressed the urgency of ending the war in Gaza and protecting civilians. 'The need is urgent today to end the war in Gaza and save civilians. Ultimately, we must build the State of Palestine, ensure its viability, and allow it—on the condition that it agrees to be demilitarized and fully recognizes Israel—to contribute to the security of all in the Middle East,' he said. In a letter addressed to Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas, Macron described France's decision as a 'decisive contribution toward peace in the Middle East,' and said Paris would coordinate with international partners willing to support the move. France's declaration follows recent recognitions by Ireland, Spain, Norway, and Slovenia, and is expected to further amplify European momentum toward Palestinian statehood. read more Gold prices rise, 21 Karat at EGP 3685 NATO's Role in Israeli-Palestinian Conflict US Expresses 'Strong Opposition' to New Turkish Military Operation in Syria Shoukry Meets Director-General of FAO Lavrov: confrontation bet. nuclear powers must be avoided News Iran Summons French Ambassador over Foreign Minister Remarks News Aboul Gheit Condemns Israeli Escalation in West Bank News Greek PM: Athens Plays Key Role in Improving Energy Security in Region News One Person Injured in Explosion at Ukrainian Embassy in Madrid News Israeli-Linked Hadassah Clinic in Moscow Treats Wounded Iranian IRGC Fighters Arts & Culture "Jurassic World Rebirth" Gets Streaming Date News China Launches Largest Ever Aircraft Carrier Videos & Features Tragedy Overshadows MC Alger Championship Celebration: One Fan Dead, 11 Injured After Stadium Fall Lifestyle Get to Know 2025 Eid Al Adha Prayer Times in Egypt Arts & Culture South Korean Actress Kang Seo-ha Dies at 31 after Cancer Battle Business Egyptian Pound Undervalued by 30%, Says Goldman Sachs Sports Get to Know 2025 WWE Evolution Results News "Tensions Escalate: Iran Probes Allegations of Indian Tech Collaboration with Israeli Intelligence" News Flights suspended at Port Sudan Airport after Drone Attacks
Al-Ahram Weekly
an hour ago
- Al-Ahram Weekly
Pro-Palestinian Lebanese militant released after 40 years in French jail - Region
One of France's longest-held prisoners, the pro-Palestinian Lebanese militant Georges Ibrahim Abdallah, was released from jail and deported on Friday, after more than 40 years behind bars for the killings of two diplomats. At around 3:40 am (01:30 GMT), a convoy of six vehicles left the Lannemezan penitentiary with lights flashing, AFP journalists saw. A source close to the case confirmed to AFP that 74-year-old Abdallah had left the prison. Hours later, he was placed on a plane bound for Lebanon, an airport source told AFP. Abdallah was detained in 1984 and sentenced to life in prison in 1987 for his involvement in the murders of US military attache Charles Robert Ray and Israeli diplomat Yacov Barsimantov in Paris. The Paris Court of Appeal had ordered his release "effective July 25" on the condition that he leave French territory and never return. While he had been eligible for release since 1999, his previous requests were denied with the United States -- a civil party to the case -- consistently opposing him leaving prison. Prisoners serving life sentences in France are typically freed after fewer than 30 years. Abdallah's lawyer, Jean-Louis Chalanset, visited for a final time on Thursday. "He seemed very happy about his upcoming release, even though he knows he is returning to the Middle East in an extremely tough context for Lebanese and Palestinian populations," Chalanset told AFP. AFP visited Abdallah last week after the court's release decision, accompanying a lawmaker to the detention centre. The founder of the Lebanese Revolutionary Armed Factions (FARL) -- a long-disbanded Marxist anti-Israel group -- said for more than four decades he had continued to be a "militant with a struggle". 'Past symbol' After his arrest in 1984, French police discovered submachine guns and transceiver stations in one of his Paris apartments. The appeals court in February noted that the FARL "had not committed a violent action since 1984" and that Abdallah "today represented a past symbol of the Palestinian struggle". The appeals judges also found the length of his detention "disproportionate" to the crimes and given his age. Abdallah's family said they plan to meet him at Beirut airport's "honour lounge" before heading to their hometown of Kobayat in northern Lebanon where a reception is planned. Follow us on: Facebook Instagram Whatsapp Short link:
