Hamas Reviewing Israel's Cease-Fire Proposal Amid International Efforts for Peace

Israel has presented a new cease-fire proposal to Hamas in Gaza, as reported on Saturday, April 27. Senior Hamas official Khalil al-Hayva confirmed that the Palestinian militant group is currently evaluating the proposal and will submit its response upon the completion of its study. The details of the offer from Israel have not been disclosed, but it comes in response to a previous proposal from Hamas two weeks ago.

Hours after a high-level Egyptian delegation concluded its visit to Israel, where discussions took place regarding a "new vision" for a prolonged cease-fire in Gaza, Hamas made its statement. The Egyptian official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, mentioned that the recent visit focused on the first stage of a multi-phase plan. This plan includes a limited exchange of hostages held by Hamas for Palestinian prisoners and the return of displaced Palestinians to their homes in northern Gaza "with minimum restrictions."

The mediators are striving to reach a compromise that addresses the main demands of both parties. This compromise could potentially lead to continued negotiations with the aim of securing a larger deal to end the war.

International Involvement and Update

Next week, Egypt's foreign minister is expected to provide an update to international officials in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia during a World Economic Forum meeting. Børge Brende, the WEF's president, highlighted that talks between Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and several international officials will focus on pushing for a peace agreement in Gaza. The humanitarian crisis in Gaza will also be a key topic on the agenda of the WEF's meeting.

Participation of Regional Leaders

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken is set to attend the meetings alongside regional leaders including Qatar's prime minister, Saudi Arabia's foreign minister, Oman's crown prince, and Bahraini officials.

With mounting casualties and the prolonged war, there is growing international pressure for Hamas and Israel to reach a cease-fire agreement and avoid a potential Israeli attack on Rafah. More than half of Gaza's 2.3 million people have sought refuge in Rafah after fleeing fighting elsewhere in the territory.

Israeli Plans and Concerns

Israel has been adamant about its plans for a ground offensive into Rafah, despite calls for restraint from the international community. Egypt has warned that such an offensive could have "catastrophic consequences" on the humanitarian situation in Gaza and regional peace and security.

The Israeli military has deployed tanks and armored vehicles near Rafah and conducted near-daily airstrikes in the city. Tragically, an Israeli airstrike on a house in Rafah resulted in the deaths of six people, including four children. Additionally, five people were killed in the Nuseirat refugee camp in central Gaza due to another Israeli strike.

Violence has also erupted in the West Bank, where two Palestinian men were shot and killed in an exchange of fire at a checkpoint in the Israeli-occupied territory. The number of Palestinians killed by Israeli fire in the West Bank since the war started has reached 491, according to the Ramallah-based Health Ministry.

U.S. Position and Foreign Aid

The U.S. has been critical of Israeli policies in the West Bank and Secretary of State Antony Blinken is expected to visit Israel to address the situation. Additionally, the U.S. has been considering whether to suspend aid to certain units under the Leahy Law, which prevents the provision of weapons or funds for military assistance to groups that have violated human rights.

Efforts are being made to deliver aid to Gaza through a new port, with the Biden administration emphasizing that there will be no American boots on the ground for the mission. Meanwhile, there are reports that the British government is contemplating the deployment of troops to transport aid to the shore, although officials have not confirmed this.

Hamas initiated the war with an attack into southern Israel on October 7, resulting in civilian casualties and the taking of hostages. Since then, the conflict has led to a significant loss of life, with thousands of Palestinians and Israeli soldiers reported dead.