According to a report by Al Jazeera, Egypt’s former assistant foreign minister, Hussein Haridy, described Monday—the anticipated day for the return of hostages—as potentially a “game changer” in advancing US President Donald Trump’s peace plan.
Speaking to Al Jazeera from Cairo, Haridy emphasized the significance of the day for Israeli public perception. “It would send a message to Israeli public opinion that the war that Netanyahu has waged [and] launched on the Palestinians, both in Gaza and the West Bank, does not pay off, will not pay off, and negotiating peace is a much better option,” he said. Haridy suggested that successful implementation could strengthen calls for a diplomatic approach over continued military action.
Haridy also addressed logistical aspects of the agreement, particularly regarding the Rafah crossing, which sits at the border between Gaza and Egypt and is controlled by Israel. He noted that the crossing would soon be opened to allow Palestinians wishing to leave Gaza to return home safely. This step, he indicated, would be a crucial measure in easing humanitarian concerns and signaling tangible progress in implementing the ceasefire.
“Discussions are going on that the Europeans would send observers and some Palestinians [to] really manage the Rafah crossing,” Haridy said, highlighting the international cooperation involved in ensuring a smooth process. He underscored that monitoring by neutral parties could help maintain order and prevent violations, thereby building confidence in the plan’s execution.
Haridy concluded by stressing that the ultimate goal of Trump’s plan is the withdrawal of Israeli forces from the Gaza Strip. “Ultimately, Israel must withdraw from the Gaza Strip according to Trump’s plan,” he added, reiterating that the ceasefire and border arrangements are just initial steps toward broader political objectives.
The former Egyptian diplomat’s remarks indicate cautious optimism among regional and international observers that the planned movements on Monday could mark a pivotal moment in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. While challenges remain, including enforcement and monitoring, the proposed steps represent a concrete pathway toward reducing hostilities and moving the parties toward negotiated solutions. See, More, Here>>>
Explore More News By Using The Button Above