Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sissi proposed a two-day cease-fire between Israel and Hamas, which includes the release of four hostages held in Gaza, as well as the release of some Palestinian prisoners and the delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza, AP News reports.
There has been no immediate response from either side, with further talks expected in Qatar, involving officials from Israel, Qatar, and the CIA. Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant acknowledged that military operations alone would not resolve the hostage situation, emphasizing the need for painful compromises.
Efforts for a longer cease-fire have repeatedly stalled, with Hamas demanding the complete withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza, while Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu insists that operations will continue until Hamas is destroyed. The last cease-fire occurred in November.
