In a television interview on Sunday evening, Abdel-Ati explained, "What is currently being proposed and what we are working on is a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip and a ceasefire against the Israeli aggression for 60 days, in exchange for the release of a number of Israeli prisoners and the entry of humanitarian and medical aid into the Strip as quickly as possible."
The Egyptian minister expressed his hope that this would create the momentum needed to sustain the ceasefire and thus usher in the second phase of the agreement signed on January 19.
In early March, the first phase of a ceasefire and prisoner exchange agreement between Hamas and Israel concluded. The agreement, which took effect on January 19, 2025, was brokered by Egypt and Qatar and supported by the United States.
While Hamas adhered to the terms of the first phase, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who is wanted by the International Criminal Court, shied away from initiating the second phase of the agreement, in deference to extremists in his ruling coalition, to ensure his continued rule, according to the Israeli opposition.
Regarding the future of the agreement Egypt is working on with the United States and Qatar, Abdel-Ati added, "We hope for a sustainable solution and a sustainable ceasefire, and what we are discussing now is a first step."
American comprehensive vision
He continued: "The comprehensive vision (for a solution in Gaza) is certainly being presented by Washington, and we appreciate US President Donald Trump's vision to work towards sustaining the ceasefire and for this to lead to a comprehensive settlement."
He continued, "There is an American vision that wants to focus on the Gaza Strip after the ceasefire between Israel and Iran is reached (on June 24), and there is also an American understanding that any future agreement must include sufficient guarantees to ensure the sustainability of the ceasefire."
The Egyptian minister stressed the importance of guarantees that Israel will not resume its aggression against Gaza, saying, "If Israel resumes its aggression against Gaza again after reaching an agreement, this will be a major source of threat and instability in the region."
In a related development, Abdel-Ati discussed efforts to reach a ceasefire in Gaza with his Palestinian counterpart, Farseen Aghabikan, during a phone call. He affirmed Cairo's unwavering support for the Palestinian people and their legitimate rights, according to a statement from the Egyptian Foreign Ministry.
The Egyptian Foreign Ministry stated that Abdel Aati discussed with his Palestinian counterpart "Egypt's efforts to resume the ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, in partnership with Qatar and the United States, and to facilitate the delivery of humanitarian aid."
Determine the next step in the war
On Sunday evening, Israeli sources reported that the army had asked the government to determine the next step in the war: either complete control of Gaza or conclude a prisoner exchange deal, with the army preferring the latter option, according to Channel 12.
The channel's statement coincided with statements by President Donald Trump, in which he expressed his belief that reaching an agreement to end the war in Gaza was "very imminent."
Tel Aviv estimates that there are 50 Israeli prisoners in Gaza, 20 of whom are still alive. Meanwhile, more than 10,400 Palestinians are languishing in its prisons, suffering from torture, starvation, and medical neglect, many of whom have died, according to Palestinian and Israeli human rights and media reports.
Hamas has repeatedly affirmed its willingness to release Israeli prisoners "in bulk" in exchange for an end to the war of extermination, the withdrawal of the Israeli army from Gaza, and the release of Palestinian prisoners.
But Netanyahu, who is wanted by international justice, insists on partial deals and evades the terms by proposing new conditions, including the disarmament of Palestinian factions. He is currently insisting on reoccupying Gaza.
According to Israeli media reports, Netanyahu stressed on Sunday that the release of the remaining prisoners in Gaza is his top priority during a visit to a Shin Bet security service center.
"First and foremost, we need to release the hostages, and of course we will also have to resolve the Gaza issue and defeat Hamas, and I believe we will accomplish both tasks," Netanyahu said.
Israeli media interpreted his statements as a sign that Netanyahu is currently prioritizing the return of the prisoners over other goals, such as defeating Hamas.
With full American support, Israel has been committing genocidal crimes in Gaza since October 7, 2023, leaving approximately 190,000 Palestinians dead and wounded, most of them children and women, more than 11,000 missing, and hundreds of thousands displaced.
