Egypt Urges Israel to Halt Gaza Escalations to Preserve Ceasefire

Arabic version: مصر تحث إسرائيل على وقف التصعيد في غزة للحفاظ على وقف إطلاق النار

Egypt has launched an urgent diplomatic intervention to rescue a fragile Gaza ceasefire agreement that is on the brink of collapse. The government warned Israel against expanding its occupation in Gaza, which would undermine efforts to end the war following a wave of deadly air strikes. According to Al Jazeera, Egyptian officials have expressed concerns that Israel’s military actions could lead to an all-out war in the region.

In a bid to salvage the peace process, Egypt has invited a senior Hamas delegation, led by chief negotiator Khalil al-Hayya, for urgent talks. An Egyptian intelligence official described the contacts between the parties as intense, with Cairo racing to arrange negotiations before the end of the week.

The situation has escalated significantly, with at least 141 Palestinians reported killed in the last two weeks due to intensified Israeli attacks. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Thursday issued a directive ordering the military to expand its control in Gaza from 53% to 70%, a move that fundamentally violates the US-brokered comprehensive peace plan signed in October 2025.

Additionally, Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz has faced regional backlash for reviving a controversial plan for the voluntary migration of Palestinians. In response, Egypt has firmly rejected any attempts to push Gaza residents toward emigration, emphasizing the importance of maintaining stability in the region.

Egypt is coordinating with mediators from Qatar, Turkiye, and US officials to return the process to a negotiating track, including revisions to the addendum of the original Gaza peace plan, designed to reduce violence. As tensions mount, Hamas has called for urgent international intervention to ensure Israel adheres to its commitments under the ceasefire agreement.