Thu Oct 02 21:33:02 UTC 2025: **Summary:**

The article reports on the current status of a U.S.-backed proposal to end the nearly two-year conflict between Israel and Hamas in Gaza. Hamas is considering the proposal, which includes a ceasefire, prisoner exchange, Israeli withdrawal, and Hamas disarmament. Egypt’s foreign minister warns of further escalation if Hamas rejects the plan and is working with Qatar and Turkey to convince Hamas to accept it. There are concerns the plan heavily favors Israel and may lead to forced displacement. International actors are weighing in, with the US threatening consequences if Hamas refuses, the EU urging Hamas to accept, and Russia supporting a plan that leads to a two-state solution.

**News Article:**

**Egypt Warns of Escalation as Hamas Considers Gaza Ceasefire Proposal**

**Paris -** As Hamas deliberates over a U.S.-backed proposal to end the nearly two-year-long conflict in Gaza, Egypt’s Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty warned of a potential escalation of violence if the Palestinian group rejects the plan. Abdelatty stated that Egypt is working with Qatar and Turkey to persuade Hamas to accept the proposal, which includes a ceasefire, an exchange of prisoners, a phased Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, and Hamas disarmament.

Hamas official Mohammed Nazzal confirmed the group is discussing the proposal, aiming to halt Israel’s ongoing operations in Gaza. However, Nazzal emphasized that Hamas will assert its views in the best interest of the Palestinian people, refusing to be rushed into a decision.

The U.S. proposal, unveiled earlier this week, has faced criticism, with many Palestinians believing it heavily favors Israel. Previous negotiations have seen Hamas demanding a complete Israeli withdrawal and guarantees for the return of displaced families, especially to northern Gaza.

Abdelatty acknowledged the plan requires further negotiations, especially on governance and security arrangements. He emphasized Egypt’s unwavering stance against any forced displacement of Palestinians, calling it “the end of the Palestinian cause.”

The U.S. has given Hamas a deadline to accept the proposal, with the White House threatening consequences for rejection. Meanwhile, the EU is urging Hamas to embrace the plan, release hostages, and disarm. Russia has stated its willingness to support the proposal, but only if it leads to a two-state solution.

French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot declared that Hamas “has lost” and must accept surrender, holding the group accountable for the “catastrophe experienced by the Palestinians.”

Critics like political analyst Xavier Abu Eid have voiced concern over the involvement of figures like Tony Blair, citing past attempts to reshape the Middle East without local input as reasons for skepticism regarding the plan’s success.

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