Dr. Amjad Bashkar: The real solution lies in a comprehensive deal based on the principle of "all for all" and ending the war, not temporary agreements that do not address the roots of the conflict.

Suleiman Basharat: The Egyptian proposal for a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip is a pivotal and important point in the developments of the regional and international political scene.

Adnan Al-Sabah: Egypt has begun to take the initiative with an effective role that gives it increasing international influence and a real opportunity to achieve a political breakthrough soon.

Dr. Amr Hussein: The success of the Egyptian proposal depends on the position of the occupation, which continues to evade its obligations, relying on American protection.

Sari Samour: The chances of success of the new Egyptian proposal depend on American pressure on Israel, which is currently unavailable.

Daoud Kuttab: The proposal may provide some relief for the people of Gaza, but it does not constitute a radical solution to any of the existing political or military problems.

Regional and international political activity is intensifying amid the catastrophic situation on the ground in the Gaza Strip. The new Egyptian proposal and Cairo's attempts to advance a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip coincide with the Cairo summit bringing together Jordan's King Abdullah II, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, and French President Emmanuel Macron, as well as a phone call from US President Donald Trump. This raises questions about the proposal's success this time around.

According to circulating information, the proposal calls for the release of nine living Israeli prisoners, including US soldier Idan Alexander, in addition to the return of three bodies of US prisoners. In exchange, the proposal includes the release of 300 Palestinian prisoners, including 150 serving life sentences, along with the release of 2,200 prisoners from the Gaza Strip.

The proposal also includes extending the truce for 70 days, resuming negotiations on the second phase of the agreement, allowing the entry of humanitarian aid and fuel into the Gaza Strip, opening the crossings, and providing full information on the remaining Israeli prisoners held by the resistance.

In separate interviews with Al-Quds, writers, political analysts, specialists, and university professors believe that this proposal and the Egyptian initiative, which was presented as an interim solution that includes a temporary ceasefire and a prisoner exchange deal, reveal Egypt's desire to play a pivotal role. However, its success remains contingent on the extent of the American response and pressure on Israel, which continues its military operation driven by political protection from Washington.

Despite the escalating diplomatic activity, writers, analysts, specialists, and university professors explain that many are approaching the Egyptian proposal with caution, given the absence of any indication of a genuine Israeli intent to stop the war and the continued ambiguous American rhetoric.

They believe that the tripartite summit in Cairo, which brought together Egypt, Jordan, and France, appeared to be an attempt to garner European support for the initiative. However, the clarity of the White House's position remains the decisive factor. Without American political will to enforce a ceasefire, the proposal remains vulnerable to marginalization or temporary exploitation to reshuffle political cards.

In Gaza, the humanitarian situation is worsening, but according to writers, analysts, specialists, and university professors, the Egyptian initiative appears to be a temporary window of hope amidst a tragic landscape. However, it does not address the roots of the conflict nor guarantee that fighting will not resume after the truce ends, unless it is accompanied by a comprehensive agreement that ends the war and establishes a future vision for the next phase.

The Trump administration controls the fate of war and peace.

Political science professor Dr. Amjad Bashkar says that the developments taking place in the Gaza Strip for more than a month represent a practical implementation of US President Donald Trump's statements, who previously spoke of "opening the gates of hell." He points out that the US administration, specifically Trump, is the one shaping and directing the current situation in Gaza, controlling the fate of war and peace there.

Bashkar points out that the United States is not content to simply observe the ongoing brutality and genocide in Gaza, but is also in charge and directing it according to a vision that serves its interests. Washington can order Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to halt the aggression or continue it.

Bashkar explains that "the American position is what sets Israel's red lines and limits its scope for maneuver. This was clearly evident in the previous prisoner release deal, where Netanyahu quickly responded to American pressure and completed the deal despite his reluctance to do so."

Bashkar believes that the Israeli occupation has received political cover from Washington to turn the negotiating table and commit daily massacres in the Gaza Strip without any real international deterrent. He emphasizes that these crimes are justified daily before the international community, amid American silence that indicates direct support.

Fears of losing Israeli prisoners

In his assessment of the American position, Bashkar explains that Washington is well aware that it holds the key to ending the war, but Trump appears reluctant to show that Israel has failed to achieve its military objectives, given fears that the resistance could lose Israeli prisoners, which would place additional pressure on the American leadership.

"Israel remains convinced that further military and humanitarian pressure will lead to the resistance's acceptance of its terms, despite American reservations about the length of the operation without tangible results," Bashkar says. "Trump has given Netanyahu the green light to continue, but that doesn't mean there are no limits to this mandate. Trump also wants to close this file before his visit to the region next month, specifically to Saudi Arabia."

Bashkar believes that Israel's failure to achieve its goals may push Trump to impose an agreement on Netanyahu, or force him to engage in serious negotiations aimed at reaching a prisoner swap deal.

Bashkar points out that Netanyahu cannot refuse any direct request from Trump, and that if the latter decides to force negotiations, the deal will happen.

Bashkar points out that Netanyahu, on the other hand, is seeking to buy more time to prove that military and humanitarian pressure will force the resistance to surrender, but he realizes that any agreement would carry significant internal risks that would threaten the fragile composition of his government.

The Egyptian proposal will not end the war.

Regarding the latest Egyptian proposal, Bashkar believes it will not lead to an end to the war, noting that the resistance understands that an agreement, even if it includes the release of nine Israeli prisoners, will not achieve a ceasefire. Rather, it will merely postpone the crisis and buy time, with a strong possibility of a return to fighting immediately after the ceasefire expires.

Bashkar asserts that the real solution to ending the war lies in a comprehensive deal based on the "all for all" principle—the release of all Israeli prisoners in exchange for Israeli prisoners and a complete end to the war—not in reaching temporary agreements that fail to address the roots of the conflict.

Regarding the recent summit in Cairo, which brought together the leaders of Egypt, Jordan, and France, with Trump participating by telephone, coinciding with Netanyahu's visit to the White House, Bashkar explains that the summit certainly addressed the war on Gaza, but it is not expected to be decisive or lead to a final agreement.

"The tripartite meeting may be a step toward advancing the revised Egyptian proposal, but it cannot be considered a breakthrough moment for the deal, because the key remains in the hands of the United States alone," Bashkar says. "Any progress on this issue requires genuine American will and direct pressure on Netanyahu."

Bashkar asserts that the Cairo summit holds special symbolism at the Arab level, as Egypt and Jordan seek to align themselves with the European position, represented by France, to form a front in support of Arab mediation. However, success remains contingent on a serious American will and a clear decision to stop the war and push for a deal that ends the conflict.

Egyptian-American agreement or coordination

For his part, writer and political analyst Suleiman Basharat says that the new Egyptian proposal for a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, and its specific timing, represents a pivotal and important point in the developments of the regional and international political scene, especially in light of the presence of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Washington, and the holding of a tripartite summit between Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, King Abdullah II of Jordan, and French President Emmanuel Macron, coinciding with a joint phone call with US President Donald Trump.

Basharat explains that this coincidence indicates the existence of some sort of Egyptian-American consensus or coordination, in an attempt to bridge the gap between the proposal presented by Witkoff and the previous Egyptian proposal, which Hamas accepted but Israel rejected.

Basharat asserts that this movement can be viewed positively, as it reflects a regional effort, specifically an Egyptian-Jordanian one, to "cool down" the war in the Gaza Strip, preventing it from escalating or expanding geographically and potentially impacting neighboring countries and the entire region.

Basharat points out that the recent general strike could serve as a "wake-up call" to political regimes, indicating that the people of the region stand on the brink of a popular explosion if there is no real hope of halting the ongoing war.

Netanyahu may be forced to accept the Egyptian proposal.

Regarding Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's position, Basharat says, "He does not appear willing to stop the war, but he may be forced to accept the Egyptian proposal as a result of mounting American pressure. At the same time, he may later seek to renege on the agreement by inventing various pretexts in an attempt to reach an end to the war on the terms he desires."

Basharat links this political path to the expected action by the US administration, explaining that President Donald Trump's upcoming visit to the region, which will begin in the Gulf states, specifically Saudi Arabia, is an important indicator. Basharat notes that Trump will not begin this tour without signs of a cooling of the situation in Gaza, noting that the US administration is now seeking to devote itself to two main issues: the Iranian nuclear issue and the major economic challenges facing the United States, especially after raising tariffs on imports.

Basharat believes that the next few days will be decisive in shaping regional and international trends, and that failure to reach an agreement within the next week could open the door to a longer confrontation and more severe escalation.

Basharat points out that Palestinian movements, particularly the visit of the Fatah delegation to Cairo, may contain proposals related to managing the future Palestinian political situation, both in Gaza and regarding the Palestinian cause more broadly, reflecting the magnitude of the challenges that will determine the future of the next phase.

The situation in Gaza has reached its tragic peak.

For his part, writer and political analyst Adnan Al-Sabah asserts that the situation in the Gaza Strip has reached its peak of tragedy, warning that the continuation of the current situation portends a global crime that transcends political and humanitarian boundaries.

Al-Sabah explains that the international community is now more convinced of the need to reach a radical solution to end the ongoing catastrophe in Gaza, especially with the worsening suffering of the population, who are facing famine, disease, pollution, and a lack of the most basic necessities of life.

Al-Sabah emphasizes that the Israeli occupation no longer has any more crimes to commit against the people of the Gaza Strip, as its crimes have crossed all red lines. This comes at a time when a dangerous famine is looming, threatening the lives of hundreds of thousands, alongside the spread of disease, amid a complete absence of any real humanitarian solutions.

Al-Sabah believes that the continuation of this catastrophe places the entire world before a moral test, noting that leaving an entire people to face death by hunger, thirst, and disease constitutes a collective crime that cannot be overlooked.

Al-Sabah points out that the current Egyptian initiative appears more serious than ever, noting that Cairo is the party most affected by what is happening, as it is Gaza's direct neighbor and therefore bears a greater burden than any other country in the region.

Effective regional and international action is required.

Al-Sabah asserts that Egypt has begun to take the initiative with an effective role and profound strategic dimensions, which gives this initiative increased international influence and a real opportunity to achieve a political breakthrough soon.

Al-Sabah highlighted the importance of the tripartite summit that included Jordanian King Abdullah II, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, and French President Emmanuel Macron, as well as the phone call that included US President Donald Trump. These calls reflect broad diplomatic momentum that will enhance the chances of a solution.

Al-Sabah notes that the Cairo summit, coinciding with a meeting in Washington between Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, constituted a pivotal axis in the current efforts, amid a general sense that all parties have reached a dead end: neither the Palestinian people are capable of persevering any longer, nor has the occupation achieved its declared goals, nor have the Arab states been able to appease their people, nor has Washington been able to impose its vision by force.

Al-Sabah warns against US President Donald Trump's continued rhetoric about displacing Gaza's residents and imposing US tutelage over the territory. He considers this a strategic goal pursued by Washington, which may not be easy to deter without effective regional and international action.

An Israeli plan to empty Gaza of its population

For his part, Egyptian writer and political analyst Dr. Amr Hussein, a specialist in international and strategic relations, says that the massacre perpetrated by the Israeli occupation forces at a UNRWA clinic in Jabalia camp represents further evidence of the occupation's approach to imposing a policy of genocide against Palestinians in the Gaza Strip, as part of a systematic plan aimed at ethnic cleansing and paralyzing all aspects of life within the Strip.

Hussein explains that these crimes are part of an Israeli plan aimed at emptying Gaza of its population, using a comprehensive scheme based on the so-called "Giora Eiland Plan," which involves dismembering the Strip, preventing geographical contiguity, and then forcibly displacing its population.

Hussein points out that the occupation is seeking to implement this mass displacement with unlimited support from the United States, which provides it with political and legal cover and prevents any real international accountability for its crimes.

Details of the new Egyptian initiative

Hussein elaborates on the details of the new Egyptian initiative aimed at halting the Israeli aggression on the Gaza Strip, noting that it includes a proposal to release 220 Palestinian prisoners serving long sentences and life sentences, along with approximately 2,200 Palestinian detainees, in exchange for the Palestinian resistance handing over nine Israeli prisoners, along with a temporary truce for 70 days.

Hussein notes that the Egyptian initiative is witnessing diplomatic activity, with a Hamas delegation visiting Cairo to consult with Egyptian officials on the initiative's provisions, amid indications of the movement's recent flexibility in dealing with Egyptian proposals.

Hussein stresses that the chances of success of the proposal and initiative remain hostage to the position of the Israeli occupation, which continues to evade its commitments, relying on American political protection.

The occupation continues its arrogance and aggression.

Writer and political analyst Sari Samour says that the new Egyptian proposal for a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, being discussed in the media, does not yet reflect a genuine Israeli intention to halt its aggression. He points out that "the occupation continues its arrogance and aggression," and that it seeks not only to displace the population of the Strip, but also to "commit genocide against the Palestinians there," as the number of martyrs continues to rise daily.

Samour explains that what is happening today, a year and a half after the Israeli aggression on the Gaza Strip, amounts to "the stage of the Holocaust," considering that Israel is continuing to carry out these massacres despite the presence of prisoners who may be exposed to danger due to its deadly bombs. He asks, "If it is doing all this before receiving its prisoners, what will happen after it receives them?"

Samour believes that Israel will resume the massacre even after a prisoner exchange deal is concluded, describing it as "horrible and frightening," and stressing the need to rethink this Egyptian proposal in a different way.

Samour believes that the chances of success of this new Egyptian proposal "depend on American pressure on Israel, which is currently unavailable," noting that the occupation has previously only accepted agreements or truces under direct pressure from Washington.

complete domination and imposition of surrender on the region

Samour calls for a more assertive Egyptian stance, criticizing Cairo for not yet taking concrete steps, such as recalling the Israeli ambassador or halting Egypt's media attacks on the Palestinian resistance.

Samour believes this proposal cannot be separated from recent regional movements and summits, which brought together the leaders of Egypt, Jordan, and France, as well as contact with US President Donald Trump. He points out that there is a regional trend toward "neutralizing the Gaza, Syria, and Lebanon front," perhaps as a prelude to a large-scale or limited aggression against Iran.

In his reading of Israeli strategy, Samour notes that the occupation is no longer content with normalization agreements like the "Abraham Accords," but has moved to "a stage of complete domination and imposing surrender on the region." He explains that Israel seeks an alliance led by itself and does not accept any partnership formula. Samour says, "Israel clearly states that it will retain the lands it occupied in Syria, and continues the war in Gaza without displacement, but rather with systematic killing. This is the heart of the matter."

Samour warns that accepting the Egyptian proposal, even if it is implemented, does not guarantee an end to the massacre, asking: "What happens after the 70-day period of the agreement expires? Will Israel not resume the massacre? This is the real danger."

Living conditions in the Gaza Strip have reached a "very difficult stage."

In turn, writer and political analyst Daoud Kuttab says that the current Egyptian proposal for a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip reflects the existing "balance of power," which Hamas must take into account, especially given the difficult humanitarian conditions in the Gaza Strip.

Writers explain that the new Egyptian proposal, despite its limitations, may provide "calm, nourishment, and hope," even if this hope only extends to a few days of temporary calm.

Writers point out that living conditions in the Gaza Strip have reached a "very difficult stage," necessitating a swift return to a ceasefire, even if only temporarily. They believe that this proposal may provide some relief for the people of the Gaza Strip amid the blockade and destruction, but it does not constitute a radical solution to any of the existing political or military problems.

In analyzing the Israeli occupation's position on the proposal, the authors question Tel Aviv's commitment to any future truce, wondering whether Israel will respect the ceasefire terms or violate them "the moment Hamas releases the Israeli prisoners."

Writers stress that this proposal does not represent a final settlement, but rather "merely a short respite from the fighting, allowing food to enter and temporarily alleviating the suffering."

Writers believe that any real breakthrough will require greater international will and effective pressure on Israel to ensure its commitment to the terms of any potential agreement.