Israel-Hamas War: Egypt Suggests Two-Day Ceasefire in Gaza for Prisoner Exchange

Egypt has proposed a temporary two-day ceasefire in Gaza to facilitate the exchange of four Israeli hostages held by Hamas for a number of Palestinian prisoners.

President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi made this announcement on Sunday, October 27, amid ongoing Israeli military strikes that resulted in the deaths of 45 Palestinians across the enclave.

During a joint press conference with Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune in Cairo, Sisi emphasized the importance of resuming negotiations within ten days of implementing the temporary ceasefire.

While there has been no immediate response from Israel or Hamas, a Palestinian official involved in the mediation process said that Hamas is open to the new proposals. However, they have insisted that any agreement must lead to an end to the conflict and the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza.

Israel has consistently stated that the war cannot conclude until Hamas is dismantled as both a military force and a governing authority in Gaza.

The conflict erupted following a Hamas attack on southern Israel on October 7 last year, which resulted in the deaths of 1,200 people and the abduction of over 250 hostages, according to Israeli figures.

The ongoing war has devastated Gaza, with health officials reporting that the death toll from Israeli air and ground assaults has reached nearly 43,000. The densely populated enclave remains largely in ruins.

An official briefed on the talks indicated that discussions in Doha are focused on establishing a short-term ceasefire and facilitating the release of some hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners held by Israel.

The aim is to achieve a temporary halt in hostilities that could pave the way for a more lasting ceasefire.