- Egypt presents a new plan to restore the Gaza ceasefire.
- At least 65 Palestinians killed in Israeli airstrikes in 24 hours.
- Hamas and the US support the proposal; Israel remains unresponsive.
- The plan calls for weekly release of Israeli hostages by Hamas.
- Gaza faces a worsening humanitarian crisis with mass displacement.
Egypt has presented a new proposal aimed at restoring the Gaza ceasefire, security sources revealed on Monday. The move comes as Palestinian health authorities report that Israeli airstrikes have killed at least 65 people in Gaza over the past 24 hours. Since Israel resumed its military operations last Tuesday, nearly 700 Palestinians have died, ending a two-month period of relative calm.
The Egyptian proposal, made last week, follows an escalation in violence after Israel resumed air and ground operations against Hamas. This effectively ended a brief period of calm in the region. The Egyptian plan seeks to revive the ceasefire and provide a path to peace.
The Proposed Ceasefire Plan: Key Elements
The Egyptian proposal includes a commitment from Hamas to release five Israeli hostages each week. In return, Israel would implement the second phase of the ceasefire agreement after the first week. As of now, Hamas holds 59 hostages, with 24 believed to still be alive.
Both Hamas and the US have expressed support for the proposal. However, Israel has yet to respond, leaving the situation uncertain. A senior Hamas official, speaking anonymously, did not confirm the proposal but stated that “several proposals are being discussed with mediators to bridge the gap.”
The proposal also calls for Israel’s full withdrawal from Gaza, with US guarantees supporting this condition. In exchange for this, Hamas would release the hostages it holds and halt its offensive. This part of the deal aims to address some of the core issues driving the conflict.
Hamas’ Position and Ongoing Negotiations
Hamas has accused Israel of violating the terms of the ceasefire agreement reached in January. Despite these accusations, Hamas has indicated a willingness to negotiate a truce. They are reviewing several proposals, including those presented by US envoy Steve Witkoff, aimed at restarting the truce.
Israel claims that its military operations are necessary to pressure Hamas into releasing the remaining hostages. The Israeli government also maintains that it is doing everything possible to minimize civilian casualties, though it has questioned the death toll provided by Palestinian authorities in Gaza.
Humanitarian Crisis in Gaza
The situation in Gaza continues to worsen, with the United Nations reporting a severe humanitarian crisis. Thousands of civilians are trapped in the Tel Al-Sultan area of Rafah, where Israeli forces have focused their operations. Local authorities report that these civilians are left without food, water, or medicine, creating a desperate situation.
Palestinian officials have stated that over 50,000 people have died in the ongoing conflict, which began in October 2023.
The United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) has reported that 124,000 people have been displaced in Gaza due to the recent escalation. Families are fleeing with little more than the clothes on their backs, and food supplies are running dangerously low.
UNRWA has called for an end to the siege and has urged the international community to provide much-needed humanitarian aid to those trapped in Gaza.
Israel’s Justification for Military Operations
Israel has justified its military operations, stating that its primary objective is to secure the release of the hostages. The Israeli government maintains that it is doing everything possible to minimize civilian casualties.
However, the country has questioned the death toll reported by Palestinian authorities, raising concerns about the accuracy of the reported numbers.
The Israeli military has focused on dismantling Hamas’s infrastructure in Gaza, targeting suspected locations where militants are operating. Despite this, the civilian toll continues to rise, with many innocent people caught in the crossfire.
Egypt’s proposal offers a potential path forward, but the success of the plan hinges on Israel’s response and the willingness of both parties to negotiate a sustainable ceasefire.
While Hamas and the US have agreed to the framework, Israel’s position remains uncertain.
Meanwhile, Gaza’s humanitarian crisis deepens, with thousands displaced and in dire need of assistance. The international community watches closely, hoping for a resolution that will end the suffering and bring peace to the region.