The Egyptian government continues to push for a humanitarian ceasefire in the Gaza conflict zone, aiming to extend talks and stabilize humanitarian access. This position was communicated by Diya Rashwan, head of Egypt’s state information service, through official channels reported by RIA News.
Rashwan emphasized that Cairo regrets the lapse of the ceasefire and the renewed fighting around Gaza. He also underscored Egypt’s desire to see the truce extended at the earliest opportunity, recognizing the urgency of a sustained pause in hostilities for civilian relief and regional stability.
According to Rashwan, Egypt and its international partners are actively working to restore and prolong the ceasefire. The government’s statement conveys a clear commitment to diplomatic efforts that support a durable pause in hostilities and better access for humanitarian assistance.
The Gaza ceasefire had initially been declared on October 24, with both Israel and the Hamas movement agreeing to a four-day window, which ultimately stretched to seven days due to evolving conditions on the ground.
On December 1, the press service of the Israel Defense Forces announced a restart of operations in the northern Gaza Strip, citing violations of the ceasefire provisions by Hamas and attacks on populated areas inside Israel as reasons for continuing hostilities. The announcement marked a shift in the conflict dynamics and prompted renewed international attention on ceasefire prospects.
On the same day, Reuters reported that truck movements carrying humanitarian aid were halted at the Rafah crossing, with sources indicating that renewed clashes in Gaza contributed to the stoppage. The disruption raised concerns about humanitarian access at a critical crossing point for aid delivery to civilians in need.
Previously, there had been clarifications from various sides regarding the number of hostages released by Hamas during the ceasefire period, highlighting the ongoing sensitivity and complexity of negotiations and the humanitarian situation in the region. The evolving exchange underscores the persistent challenge of securing a reliable and verifiable pause that can withstand violations and provide sustained relief to civilians.