Egypt has introduced a new proposal to restore the ceasefire in Gaza, as Palestinian health authorities reported that Israeli airstrikes killed at least 65 people in the past 24 hours.
The truce proposal, presented last week, follows a surge in violence after Israel resumed its air and ground operations against Hamas on March 18, bringing an end to a two-month period of relative calm. Egyptian officials are working closely with U.S. and Qatari mediators to bridge gaps between the conflicting sides and push forward a peace process.
According to Gaza health officials, nearly 700 Palestinians, including at least 400 women and children, have been killed since the renewed offensive began. Hamas also reported that several of its senior political and security officials were killed during the attacks. In Rafah, near the Egyptian border, thousands of civilians remain trapped without food, water, or medical supplies. The United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) reported that 124,000 Palestinians have been displaced in recent days, worsening the humanitarian crisis.
Key Elements of Egypt’s Proposal
Egypt’s plan suggests that Hamas release five Israeli hostages each week. In exchange, Israel would move to the second phase of the ceasefire after the first week, security sources revealed. Currently, Hamas is believed to be holding 59 hostages, with 24 of them presumed to be alive.
The Egyptian proposal also outlines a timeline for a complete Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, with U.S. guarantees supporting the process in exchange for the release of hostages. Additionally, it calls for increased humanitarian aid to be allowed into Gaza to address the growing humanitarian catastrophe.
Hamas and Israel’s Standoff
Hamas has accused Israel of violating the terms of the January ceasefire but expressed willingness to negotiate a renewed truce. The group is reportedly reviewing proposals from U.S. President Donald Trump’s special envoy, Steve Witkoff. Egyptian mediators are maintaining direct communication with Hamas officials to encourage further engagement in the peace talks.
Israel, on the other hand, insists that its renewed military operations aim to pressure Hamas into releasing the remaining hostages. Israeli authorities also claim that efforts are being made to minimize harm to civilians and have questioned the casualty figures provided by Gaza’s health authorities.
Rafah Crisis and Egypt’s Role
The worsening situation in Rafah has raised concerns for Egypt, which has reinforced security measures along its border to manage the potential spillover of violence. While Egypt continues to facilitate humanitarian aid through the Rafah crossing, logistical challenges and ongoing military operations have made access difficult. Cairo remains committed to brokering a resolution that would prevent further civilian suffering while ensuring regional stability.
Casualties and Ongoing Conflict
Palestinian officials estimate that over 50,000 people have died in nearly 18 months of conflict. The fighting began on October 7, 2023, when Hamas fighters launched a cross-border attack into southern Israel, killing 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and taking more than 250 hostages, according to Israeli reports.
As violence escalates and diplomatic negotiations continue, Egypt’s role as a mediator remains critical in seeking a lasting ceasefire and preventing further humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza.