While the population of Gaza expresses a deep desire to see the war end , US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Sunday tempered hopes for a swift ceasefire, stating that the conflict "is not yet over."
This statement comes despite a partial agreement between Israel and Hamas on certain provisions of the peace plan presented by President Donald Trump . This plan notably includes the release of Israeli hostages and a gradual withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza.
"We will know very soon whether Hamas is serious or not," Rubio told NBC, referring to the continuation of "technical" discussions in Egypt on the logistical arrangements for the release of the hostages and the cessation of fighting.
On the ground, Israel continues its airstrikes on several sectors of the Gaza Strip, despite Trump's call to suspend the bombings after Hamas claimed to have accepted certain clauses of the plan.
In Gaza, weariness and desolation prevail . Many residents interviewed by Reuters say they hope the negotiations will finally lead to a real truce after months of destruction and loss of life.
Meanwhile, Egypt is preparing to host new talks aimed at finalizing a ceasefire agreement. In Israel, financial markets reached their highest level in several months , a sign of cautious optimism regarding a possible de-escalation.
