Egypt’s top diplomat has called on Hamas to lay down its weapons and accept a new American-backed initiative to end the ongoing conflict in Gaza. Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty stated the militant group must not provide Israel with justification to continue military operations that have resulted in significant civilian casualties.
Speaking at an international affairs forum in Paris, Abdelatty revealed that Egypt is collaborating with Qatari and Turkish officials to persuade Hamas leadership to approve the proposed agreement. He emphasized that while the plan contains significant shortcomings, there is consensus that Hamas cannot maintain its current political and military role in any future governance structure.
The proposal, presented by the Trump administration, would require Hamas to completely disarm and withdraw from political activities. In exchange, the remaining hostages taken during the October 2023 incursion into Israel would be released, with nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners gaining freedom. Israeli forces would gradually withdraw from Gaza territory, to be replaced by an international security force under a transitional authority.
Reports indicate deep divisions within Hamas regarding the proposed terms. The group’s military wing leader has voiced strong opposition, expressing concerns that the agreement would effectively eliminate the organization regardless of their decision. Key points of contention include complete disarmament demands, continued Israeli military presence in certain areas, and insufficient guarantees for the safety of Hamas leadership.
Meanwhile, humanitarian conditions in Gaza continue to deteriorate. Recent Israeli evacuation orders for Gaza City have left hundreds of thousands of residents with limited options, as designated safe zones in southern areas face regular bombardment. United Nations officials describe these zones as “places of death” where civilian casualties mount daily.
Medical facilities in southern Gaza are operating far beyond capacity, with hospitals receiving continuous influxes of casualties from ongoing airstrikes and ground operations. Aid organizations report that humanitarian assistance remains insufficient to address widespread food shortages and collapsing infrastructure.
The death toll in the conflict has surpassed 62,000 Palestinians, with approximately 170,000 injured, according to health authorities in the territory.
