The Gaza conflict has reached a critical juncture, with Israel and Hamas engaging in a third day of peace talks in Egypt. But can they find a way to end the devastating war that has ravaged the Palestinian territory for two years?
The talks, which are being mediated by Egypt, Qatar, and the United States, aim to address the toughest issues in a proposed peace plan put forward by US President Donald Trump. A key sticking point is Hamas's demand for firm guarantees from Trump and the mediators that Israel will not resume its military campaign in Gaza once the militant group releases all remaining hostages.
But here's where it gets complicated: Hamas wants solid assurances that Israel will not go back on its word, while Israel is insisting that the militant group must disarm and agree to an international security force to oversee the territory. The plan also envisages Israel withdrawing its troops from Gaza and an international body taking over governance.
Tens of thousands of Palestinians have been killed, and much of the Gaza Strip lies in ruins. The conflict began two years ago when Hamas militants stormed into southern Israel, killing around 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and abducting 251. But what about the allegations of genocide? A growing number of experts, including those commissioned by a UN body, have accused Israel of committing genocide in Gaza - an accusation that Israel vehemently denies.
The talks have raised hopes of a breakthrough, with Qatar's prime minister and top diplomat, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, joining the negotiations. Trump's Mideast envoy Steve Witkoff and the president's son-in-law, Jared Kushner, are also expected to attend.
And this is the part most people miss: The Trump plan attempts to resolve all the issues at once, by laying out Hamas disarmament and a post-war scenario for governing the territory with provisions for a massive reconstruction campaign. But will it be enough to satisfy both sides?
Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi has expressed optimism, saying the negotiations so far have been 'very encouraging.' Netanyahu has accepted Trump's plan, but Hamas has reiterated its demands for a lasting ceasefire and a full Israeli withdrawal from Gaza.
As the talks continue, Palestinians in Gaza are desperate for a breakthrough. Thousands have fled Israel's latest ground offensive and are living in makeshift tents along the beach. But what about their future? 'There is no food, nor good water, and blockage of crossings,' said Um Sulaiman Abu Afash, a displaced woman from Gaza City. 'Our kids sleep in the streets. We buy drinking water. Where do we go? There's no mercy.'
Sara Rihan, a displaced woman from Jabaliya, said she was praying for an end to the war. 'I hope we return to our places and homes even if there are no homes,' she said. 'Our existence in our land is the biggest happiness for us.'
So, what do you think? Can Israel and Hamas find a way to end the war, or will the talks fall apart like previous negotiations? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
The international community is watching closely, hoping that a deal can be reached to bring an end to the devastating conflict. But with so many complex issues at play, it's clear that finding a solution won't be easy. One thing is certain, though: the people of Gaza are counting on a breakthrough to rebuild their lives and their territory.
