France and Egypt’s foreign ministers convened in Cairo on Wednesday, emphasizing the urgent need for a ceasefire in Gaza to halt the suffering of Palestinians.
Sameh Shoukry of Egypt stressed the importance of flexibility among involved parties to achieve this goal during discussions with his French counterpart, Stephane Sejourne.
Sejourne’s visit to Cairo, part of a whirlwind regional tour that included stops in Lebanon, Saudi Arabia, and Israel, aimed at assessing ongoing truce negotiations between Hamas and Israel. These talks, facilitated by US, Egyptian, and Qatari mediators, seek to find a resolution to the conflict that has plagued Gaza for months.
The proposed plan under consideration involves a 40-day ceasefire and a potential exchange of hostages for Palestinian prisoners, a move that could alleviate tensions after months of devastating warfare.
Hamas official Suhail al-Hindi indicated that a response from Hamas would be forthcoming shortly.
Israel, meanwhile, is awaiting Hamas’ response before committing to further negotiations, with an official stating that a decision would be made by Wednesday night.
The conflict, which began with Hamas’ attack on southern Israel, has claimed over a thousand lives on both sides, predominantly civilians.
The toll on Gaza has been particularly severe, with thousands killed and infrastructure decimated, exacerbating an already dire humanitarian situation. The United Nations has called for urgent humanitarian aid to prevent famine, especially in the hardest-hit northern areas.
Sejourne also briefed Shoukry on his recent visit to Lebanon, where violence between Israel and Hezbollah has escalated, resulting in numerous casualties. The French diplomat stressed the need for a parallel ceasefire in Lebanon, underscoring the interconnectedness of regional conflicts and the importance of coordinated diplomatic efforts.
