Cairo: Egypt Floats New Proposal to Restore Gaza Ceasefire Deal
Egypt has floated a new proposal aimed at restoring the Gaza ceasefire deal, security sources told Reuters today, as Palestinian health authorities said Israeli strikes had killed at least 65 people in the enclave in the past 24 hours.
Escalation in Violence
The proposal, made last week, follows an escalation in violence after Israel resumed air and ground operations against Hamas fighters on March 18, effectively ending a two-month period of relative calm after 15 months of war. Gaza health officials said Israeli air strikes and shelling have killed nearly 700 Palestinians since then, including at least 400 women and children.
Journalists Killed
Among those killed today were two local journalists, Mohammad Mansour and Hussam Shabat, medics said. The Palestinian Journalist Syndicate said at least 206 journalists have been killed by Israeli fire in Gaza since early October 2023, when the conflict erupted.
Hamas Holding 59 Hostages
Hamas is still holding 59 hostages, with 24 of them thought to be still alive, among the more than 250 it seized in its Oct 7, 2023 cross-border attack on Israel. Most of the rest have been freed in periodic negotiated exchanges.
US and Hamas Agree to Proposal
Both the US and Hamas have agreed to the proposal, security sources said, but Israel has not yet responded. A Hamas official did not confirm the proposed offer, but told Reuters that "several proposals are being discussed with the mediators to bridge the gap and to resume negotiations to reach common ground that would pave the way to start the second phase of the agreement".
Timetable for Withdrawal
The sources said the Egyptian proposal includes a timeline for a full Israeli military withdrawal from Gaza, backed by US guarantees, in exchange for the release of remaining hostages.
Background
Hamas has accused Israel of breaking the terms of the January ceasefire agreement but has said it is willing to negotiate a renewed truce and was studying proposals from US President Donald Trump’s special envoy, Steve Witkoff. Israel says it resumed its military operations to force Hamas to release the remaining hostages it is holding in Gaza.
Humanitarian Crisis
The conflict has led to a humanitarian crisis in Gaza, with over 50,000 residents remaining cornered in Rafah, according to the Palestinian civil emergency service. The UN Palestinian relief agency, UNRWA, said 124,000 people have been displaced in Gaza in recent days.
Conclusion
The ongoing conflict in Gaza has resulted in a significant loss of life and a worsening humanitarian crisis. The new proposal from Egypt aims to restore the ceasefire deal and bring an end to the violence. However, the Israeli military operations continue, and the situation on the ground remains precarious.
FAQs
- What is the current death toll in Gaza?
According to Palestinian health officials, at least 700 Palestinians have been killed since the conflict erupted. - How many journalists have been killed in the conflict?
At least 206 journalists have been killed by Israeli fire in Gaza since early October 2023. - What is the current situation in Rafah?
Over 50,000 residents remain cornered in Rafah, with thousands stuck inside the Tel Al-Sultan district with no access to basic necessities. - What is the humanitarian situation in Gaza?
The conflict has led to a humanitarian crisis, with 124,000 people displaced and a severe shortage of food, water, and medicine.