Our ambition for the second ceasefire is growing, especially since Egypt has made every effort to ensure it is acceptable. It has employed high-level diplomacy and sincerity with all parties involved. With recent statements indicating positive progress toward this ceasefire, we remember the first ceasefire, which lasted for four days and was extended to seven days on November 24 of last year. This marked a bright moment in this horrific war that is nearing its eighth month, with record losses for the Palestinian people, particularly those in Gaza.
I believe those questioning the situation in Gaza hope both parties (Hamas and Israel) will agree to a ceasefire immediately, as it sends a message to the people of Gaza that there is increasing hope to end this brutal war. Moreover, the Israelis have been unable to release a single hostage except during the ceasefires, while Hamas must feel the need of the people of Gaza to stop the war; the ceasefire is the way forward. Releasing prisoners before they die under Israeli bombardment serves the interests of Gaza and Hamas. Delaying the ceasefire benefits no one. The new ceasefire is a message to save Rafah from another barbaric Israeli assault, adding to the massacres in the region since this war began, which sends increasingly hostile messages to all the peoples of the Middle East, indicating the impossibility of peaceful coexistence among the factions and groups in this region that influence the entire world.
Our eyes are fixed on the ceasefire, and our hearts pray that it leads to a complete halt to the war and gunfire, paving the way for a new phase where all parties recognize there is no solution through weapons or violence, but through granting rights and coexistence among all. In this context, no observer can but commend Egypt's role and its capacity to endure these arduous negotiations to reach a ceasefire agreement. All Arab and American parties involved in monitoring this bloody conflict must intervene to explain to all sides that reducing the intensity of the conflict is the way to end it and begin negotiations for a final solution. Finally, I hope that when these words reach you, all tensions have eased, and an acceptable solution for this troubled and anticipated second ceasefire has been achieved.
