In a major reversal of course during continued Palestinian violence, US President Donald Trump will address the families of hostages in Israel today. Afterward, he will be heading to a summit on Peace in Egypt. This summit, co-chaired by Trump and Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi, will take place in Sharm el-Sheikh and will see leaders from over 20 countries convene to discuss the escalating situation in Gaza. The ceasefire has raised hopes for the release of Israeli hostages held by Hamas, while a staggering toll of casualties and injuries continues to unfold within Palestinian territories.
In addition, since hostilities began on October 7, 2023, the Gaza health ministry has announced massive death tolls among civilians including women and children. So far, at least 67,806 Palestinians have benefited from these attacks. Further, 170,066 fellow Americans have been hurt in this time. The humanitarian crisis in Gaza escalates by the hour. At least 1.4 million Palestinians and counting are on the move northward, toward the wreckage that was once Gaza City.
The upcoming release of Israeli hostages has taken center stage in negotiations. Israeli officials said all of those 20 living hostages will be released by Hamas on Monday. Israeli representative Shosh Bedrosian alluded to the logistics involved with that release during a discussion.
“We are expecting all 20 of our living hostages to be released together at one time to the Red Cross and transported among six to eight vehicles.” – Shosh Bedrosian
In return for holding on to these hostages, Israel has agreed to release about 2,000 Palestinian prisoners. Israel is making preparations to receive the remains of 28 hostages. These people are thought to have perished in Gaza. The repatriation of these remains as well as the last known hostages from Israel being released is expected to happen in tandem.
As conditions unfold, humanitarian agencies, including several partners of the International Rescue Committee, are preparing to deliver life-saving supplies and services to the besieged region. They pledged to “flood” Gaza with food and other essential supplies. Their intention is to reduce the harm and suffering currently being endured by the people.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said it was good news. He could stop short of including the specific congressional direction his administration has professed an interest in following — rebuilding and healing.
“Tomorrow is the beginning of a new path – a path of rebuilding, a path of healing, and, I hope, a path of united hearts.” – Benjamin Netanyahu
Netanyahu acknowledged the challenges ahead. He asserted that despite glimmers of hope on the horizon, pervasive security challenges persist.
“There are still very great security challenges ahead of us.” – Unnamed source
As countries prepare for the peace summit, discussions between world leaders must prioritize a commitment to restoring peace in the region. The summit’s goal of bringing together world leaders would be to create a framework for continued peace talks and the distribution of humanitarian assistance.
International actors are taking an important initiative to end that crisis. The United States, Egypt, and Qatar, as well as probably Turkey, are assuming roles as guarantors, underscoring their worldwide stake. Each country represented has its own distinctive experiences and resources that they could bring to bear which would help shape a more lasting peace agreement.
Residents of Gaza are still left with the ongoing effects of all-but-constant violence. Rami Mohammad-Ali, a resident of Gaza City, lived to tell the tale and documented the destruction in horrifying detail.
“We couldn’t believe the destruction we have seen.” – Rami Mohammad-Ali
While the rest of the world is finally waking up to the situation on the ground, the toll of this conflict is still catastrophic. As Ghassan Korban, SHIFT executive director, commented, these alarming numbers announced by the Gaza health ministry show a heartbreaking picture. Today, countless families grieve their losses and face an unpredictable future.
As leaders come together in Cairo for the peace summit, the eyes of the world are upon us. The results of these conversations could be decisive in charting a path forward for Israeli and Palestinian societies.