Gaza conflict: Ceasefire uncertain after release of hostages, US Secretary of State arrives in Egypt
Prospects for a lasting ceasefire following the release of hostages in Gaza remain uncertain. In a recent development, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken visited Egypt to promote new ceasefire efforts between Israel and Hamas.
Details of a potential deal regarding the release of hostages in Gaza remain vague, making it unlikely to lead to a lasting ceasefire between Israel and Hamas. Even if an agreement is reached, there is skepticism about its effectiveness in ending the conflict.
The report indicates that after Hamas releases most of the hostages, negotiations on a long-term ceasefire between Israel and Hamas are expected to begin within the first six weeks of the temporary ceasefire. However, if these negotiations fail, Israel could resume military operations in Gaza.
Previously, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office announced that Netanyahu continued to make efforts to maximize the number of hostages released, and emphasized that the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) were still stationed in the border corridor between Gaza. and Egypt.
Regarding promoting a ceasefire, Secretary of State Antony Blinken arrived in Israel on August 18 and is scheduled to visit Egypt on August 20 to discuss the progress of indirect negotiations between Israel and Hamas. A senior US official noted that ceasefire and hostage exchange negotiations are at a “critical moment” and that Blinken will stress the importance of reaching an agreement with all parties involved . This shows that the situation is becoming more and more tense if the hostages are still not released.
Despite months of negotiations, mediators from Qatar, the US and Egypt have yet to reach a ceasefire agreement, while the conflict in Gaza continues to escalate with increasing casualties. Ceasefire talks are expected to continue in Cairo this week, following a two-day session in Doha last week. Blinken will seek to make progress on new proposals from Washington that mediators believe could narrow the gap between the sides.
