“Amid Escalating Violence, Egypt Takes Lead in Seeking Truce Between Israel and Gaza”

Israel launched strikes on Islamic Jihad targets in Gaza for a second consecutive day, prompting Palestinian militants to retaliate by firing hundreds of rockets across the border, affecting residents as far away as Tel-Aviv. The United Nations has called for calm and an end to the violence.

The latest round of cross-border fire was triggered when Israel launched strikes against three Islamic Jihad commanders suspected of planning attacks against Israelis. Israel claims this is in response to months of escalating violence, and the country’s military said it had hit over 130 targets, including rocket launching sites. However, the salvoes triggered hundreds of rockets being fired in retaliation, forcing more than 30% of residents of Israeli border communities to be evacuated.

Palestinian health officials have said that 24 people have been killed since the fighting began, including at least five women, five children, and three senior Islamic Jihad commanders. In a show of de-escalation, Egypt has begun brokering a ceasefire. Islamic Jihad has called upon its leaders in Cairo to negotiate an end to the fighting. However, Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, has cautioned, “The campaign is not over yet.”

### The need for de-escalation

On Wednesday, White House national security advisor, Jake Sullivan, spoke with Israel‘s National Security Council Head, Tzachi Hanegbi, about the need for de-escalation. Sullivan emphasized the need to reduce tensions and avoid further loss of life.

The escalation of violence in Gaza and Israel underscores the pressing need for the international community to come together and find ways to foster peaceful solutions to the longstanding Palestinian-Israeli conflict. The United States, Egypt, and other international players must engage with all parties and work tirelessly to stop the violence, begin dialogue and prevent further escalation.

### The civilian casualties

The fighting has resulted in the loss of innocent lives, including women and children. It is essential for both sides to ensure that the rules of war are respected. Targeting civilian areas violates international laws and should be condemned by all parties involved.

### Conclusion

The senseless cycle of violence and destruction in the Palestinian-Israeli conflict must come to an end. Full diplomatic engagement and efforts toward peaceful resolution must be pursued. Violence only leads to more violence, which is why the international community must prioritize a peaceful resolution of the conflict and end the escalating cycle of violence and destruction. We hope that the ceasefire in action through Egypt’s mediation will hold, and further dialogue can begin towards achieving peace and stability in the region.