The international community, led by Egypt, is ramping up diplomatic efforts to secure a ceasefire in Gaza amid intensifying calls for an end to hostilities. A high-level Egyptian security delegation is set to arrive in Israel on Thursday, aiming to mediate a long-awaited agreement that could lead to the release of hostages and a cessation of the war in Gaza.

This comes on the heels of a significant ceasefire in Lebanon, where Israeli forces successfully subdued Hezbollah’s aggression, removing a major Hamas ally from the battlefield. The truce has emboldened mediators to refocus their efforts on Gaza, with hopes that the removal of Hezbollah’s direct support will pressure Hamas into negotiations.

Biden and Trump: A Bipartisan Push for Progress

US President Joe Biden has reportedly urged Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to seize the momentum created by the Lebanon ceasefire. During a recent call, Biden emphasized the need to prioritize the release of hostages and work toward a sustainable truce in Gaza. “We have an opportunity now. Let’s get the hostages,” Biden reportedly told Netanyahu, signaling a renewed American commitment to resolving the crisis.

Meanwhile, Egyptian officials have reached out to President-elect Donald Trump’s transition team, exploring whether his administration could influence Israel’s stance on key negotiation points. According to sources, Egypt sees Trump as a potential wildcard capable of softening Israeli positions, particularly concerning control over the Gaza-Egypt border and the establishment of a buffer zone.

Egypt's proposal: Temporary ceasefire-hostage release elderly & ailing priority but release delayed give Hamas & other Gaza terror groups time confirm who’s alive https://t.co/02WT8iYhxT via @ArutzSheva_En

— jphilli8 (@jphilli8) November 28, 2024

The Challenges of Negotiating with Hamas

Hamas, the Islamist terror group that governs Gaza, has expressed conditional willingness for a ceasefire, but its demands remain contentious. The group insists on a full Israeli withdrawal from Gaza and the release of a substantial number of Palestinian prisoners in exchange for the hostages. These demands come as the group faces mounting pressure following its isolation due to the Lebanon ceasefire and diminishing regional support.

Efforts to mediate a deal have repeatedly faltered. Past negotiations involving Egypt, Qatar, and the US have stumbled over Hamas’s inability to guarantee the identities and safety of hostages. The group’s opaque internal operations have further complicated matters, making it difficult for mediators to secure reliable commitments.

#AMAY| Hamas says it is committed to cooperating with “any efforts” to achieve a ceasefire in Gazahttps://t.co/wahjLZKLKJ pic.twitter.com/5gffBQMoeD

— Egypt Independent (@EgyIndependent) November 28, 2024

Proposed Ceasefire Framework

A new framework under discussion involves a phased approach:

• Initial Truce: A ceasefire lasting one to two months, during which hostages would be released incrementally, with priority given to the elderly and medically vulnerable.
• Rafah Border Crossing: Reopening the critical Rafah crossing under Palestinian Authority management, with Egyptian oversight and Israeli veto power over exit permits.
• Extended Negotiations: Broader talks without active military engagement, aimed at achieving a lasting resolution.

However, significant hurdles remain. Hamas must provide a comprehensive list of living hostages, a step it has struggled to fulfill in past negotiations. Additionally, Egypt is working to ensure Hamas does not reassert control over Gaza’s crossings or use ceasefire conditions to regroup militarily.

Hostage Crisis: The Humanitarian Dimension

The plight of the hostages remains central to the negotiations. Following Hamas’s October 7 massacre, in which 1,200 Israelis were brutally killed, the group abducted 251 individuals. To date, Hamas has released 105 hostages in a previous truce, while eight have been rescued by Israeli forces. Tragically, the remains of 37 hostages have been recovered, including those killed during escape attempts.

Hamas is ready for a truce in the Gaza Strip. A Hamas official told AFP. “We have informed mediators in Egypt, Qatar, and Turkey that Hamas is ready for a ceasefire agreement and a serious deal to exchange prisoners.” https://t.co/EiPIRoeStB

— Dr. Cathy Pacific (@PacificCathy) November 28, 2024

Among the remaining captives are 97 individuals, including at least 34 confirmed deceased. Hamas also holds two Israeli civilians who entered Gaza years ago and the bodies of two IDF soldiers killed in 2014.

Egypt Emerges as a Key Mediator

With Qatar’s withdrawal from the mediation process and its expulsion of Hamas leaders from Doha, Egypt has taken the lead in bridging the gap between the warring parties. Cairo’s diplomatic credibility, bolstered by its ties to both Israel and Gaza, positions it as a central player in the evolving negotiations.

As the region awaits the outcome of these intensified efforts, the stakes are higher than ever. The fragile ceasefire in Lebanon offers a glimpse of what might be possible in Gaza, but success hinges on navigating the labyrinthine demands of Hamas, ensuring Israel’s security, and addressing the profound humanitarian crisis gripping the region.