President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi of Egypt, who is facilitating the indirect negotiations between Israel and Hamas, expressed optimism for a breakthrough. He stated, “God willing, in the coming days, we will achieve a cease-fire agreement that will bring real relief to the people of Gaza.”
His remarks mirrored President Biden’s earlier prediction that a deal to halt the conflict and release the remaining hostages in Gaza could be reached by Monday.
During a press briefing on Wednesday, Israel’s defense minister, Yoav Gallant, refrained from commenting on Mr. Biden’s forecast.
“I truly hope he is correct,” Mr. Gallant remarked.
Israel is under increasing international pressure to end its destructive military offensive and is facing domestic pressure to secure the release of the hostages captured by Hamas and its allies during the October 7 attack, which resulted in the deaths of at least 1,200 people according to Israeli officials.
Without a breakthrough, the death toll from Israel’s military operation in Gaza is approaching 30,000, as reported by health officials in the region. Civilians and aid organizations have reported severe food shortages, forcing people to resort to consuming leaves, bird food, and other types of animal feed for sustenance.
“Our lives have become incredibly difficult,” said 23-year-old university student Aseel al-Louh from Deir al Balah in central Gaza. She revealed that she had lost 11 kilograms (24 pounds) since the start of the war, surviving on just one meal a day consisting of bread, hummus, or canned beans. She mentioned that World Food Program nutrition bars were being sold on the black market for six times their prewar price.
