Sources who wished to remain anonymous indicated that Egypt has informed Israel it has paused its role as mediator in the pursuit of a broader agreement to end the fighting between Israel and Palestinian groups. The delay comes amid high sensitivity surrounding the issue. Hamas and Islamic Jihad reportedly notified Cairo of the suspension of negotiations aimed at a ceasefire. The development marks a shift in the usual mediation dynamic and raises questions about the next steps in regional diplomacy.
To date, Egypt had not publicly confirmed this move.
A three-step plan
Recent discussions revealed that Egyptian officials had presented a formal offer within the framework of their mediation duties. The plan outlined a coordinated three-step approach designed to advance an agreement that could halt the Gaza conflict. Various Palestinian and Egyptian interlocutors who spoke to the press on condition of anonymity described the effort as part of a broader strategy to reconstitute a unified political process among Palestinian actors and to set the stage for post-conflict reconstruction.
According to knowledgeable sources, the concept envisions dialogue among major Palestinian factions, including Hamas and Islamic Jihad, with the aim of ending the internal divisions that have long affected governance in the West Bank and Gaza. The proposal envisions the creation of a technocratic government capable of overseeing reconstruction efforts in Gaza and laying groundwork for Palestinian parliamentary and presidential elections. This element forms the second axis of the plan and serves as a bridge toward broader regional stability.
The overarching objective is to reduce violence in the region and create a pathway toward a sustained ceasefire. The first axis of the plan involves an immediate two-week period of calm in exchange for the release of a specified number of hostages on both sides. Reports from multiple sources indicate a staged release process as part of a mutual confidence-building mechanism. The arrangement would be accompanied by guarantees intended to support the humanitarian needs of civilians affected by the conflict.
In this framework, the involved parties would seek to align on security arrangements, political participation, and verification mechanisms to ensure that commitments are observed. The discussions emphasize a long-term perspective aimed at preventing renewed hostilities while supporting humanitarian relief, reconstruction, and governance reforms that could help stabilize the region in the months ahead. The plan’s success hinges on practical steps, credible assurances, and continued international engagement to sustain momentum beyond the initial phases.