Egypt proposes new plan to restore Gaza ceasefire
- Egypt proposes that Hamas release five hostages for humanitarian aid and a temporary cessation of fighting.
- Hamas has reportedly responded positively to the Egyptian proposal, which Israel has not yet acknowledged.
- The ongoing violence has resulted in nearly 700 Palestinian deaths since the resumption of airstrikes.
In recent developments surrounding the ongoing violence in Gaza, Egypt has introduced a new proposal aimed at reinstating a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas. This proposal suggests that Hamas release five living hostages, which include an American-Israeli, in return for Israel allowing humanitarian aid into Gaza and pausing the fighting for a duration of weeks. In addition, Israel would release hundreds of Palestinian prisoners. Following the recent escalation of violence, where Israeli airstrikes resumed, Hamas has emotionally responded 'positively' to Egypt's revised proposal, indicating willingness to negotiate. However, the Israeli government has not officially accepted the terms presented by Egypt yet. This situation escalates tension as reports indicate that the death toll in Gaza has soared to nearly 700 since Israel amplified its military operations after a period of relative calm following a ceasefire in January. The conflict continues to severely affect civilian life, putting a strain on healthcare and education, and highlighting the urgent need for international intervention to stabilize the region.