Egypt proposes new ceasefire plan amid escalating Gaza violence

Egypt has put forward a new proposal aimed at restoring a ceasefire in Gaza, following a recent escalation in violence, security sources reported.

The proposal was made last week, as Israel resumed air and ground operations against Hamas militants on March 18, marking the end of two months of relative calm after 15 months of conflict, Caliber.Az reports per foreign media.

Palestinian health authorities reported that Israeli strikes had killed at least 65 people in the past 24 hours, with the total death toll from recent airstrikes and shelling reaching nearly 700, including at least 400 women and children. Among the casualties on March 24 were two local journalists, Mohammad Mansour and Hussam Shabat.

The Palestinian Journalist Syndicate confirmed that at least 206 journalists have been killed in Gaza since October 2023, when the conflict began. Hamas also reported the deaths of several of its senior political and security officials.

The Egyptian proposal outlines a plan where Hamas would release five Israeli hostages each week, with Israel beginning the second phase of the ceasefire after the first week. Currently, Hamas holds 59 hostages, 24 of whom are believed to be alive, following the October 7, 2023, cross-border attack.

Both Hamas and the US have agreed to the proposal, but Israel has not yet provided a response. Hamas has not confirmed the details of the offer but said multiple proposals are being discussed to bridge the gap and restart negotiations for a ceasefire.

The Egyptian plan also includes a timeline for the complete withdrawal of Israeli military forces from Gaza, supported by US guarantees, in exchange for the release of remaining hostages. Hamas has accused Israel of breaking the terms of the January ceasefire but has expressed willingness to negotiate a new truce.

Meanwhile, in Gaza’s southernmost city, Rafah, thousands of people are trapped in the Tel Al-Sultan district, with no access to food, water, or medicine, as Israeli forces continue their operations. The United Nations has announced it will reduce its footprint in Gaza following the deaths of five UNRWA staff members, but remains committed to aiding civilians.

By Vafa Guliyeva