As cease-fire negotiations resume in Cairo this Wednesday, there is a renewed sense of possibility that the differences between Israel and Hamas can be resolved. The United States expressed optimism following the latest proposal from the Palestinian group, which is currently under discussion by delegations from Hamas, Israel, the US, Egypt, and Qatar.

The talks come at a critical moment, as Israeli forces have seized the main border crossing between Gaza and Egypt in Rafah, disrupting a vital aid route and escalating tensions in the region. This military maneuver has significantly affected the already dire humanitarian situation in Gaza, where hundreds of thousands of displaced Palestinians are struggling with severe shortages of food, water, and medical supplies.

CIA Director Bill Burns is set to meet with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu later Wednesday, highlighting the urgency and high stakes of the ongoing discussions. The US has indicated that the gaps in Hamas’ cease-fire proposal are bridgeable, setting a cautiously optimistic tone for the negotiations.

On the ground in Rafah, the situation remains tense. Israeli military actions have intensified, with heavy tank shelling reported and significant impacts on civilian infrastructure, including the main hospital in Rafah, which was forced to close. The United Nations has voiced strong concerns about the potential for a humanitarian disaster, urging both sides to prioritize a cease-fire.