Egypt Proposes New Gaza Ceasefire Amid Escalating Conflict

Egypt has proposed a new plan to restore the Gaza ceasefire as Israeli strikes have killed at least 65 people in 24 hours. The plan requires Hamas to release hostages weekly and Israel to withdraw from Gaza. Both the U.S. and Hamas have agreed, but Israel has not yet responded.

Egypt has tabled a comprehensive new proposal aimed at reinstating the Gaza ceasefire, as confirmed by security sources speaking to Reuters on Monday. This comes in the wake of reports from Palestinian health authorities indicating that at least 65 people have been killed by Israeli strikes in the enclave over the past day.

The proposal follows a surge in hostilities after Israel resumed air and ground operations against Hamas last Tuesday, ending a two-month ceasefire. Since resuming attacks, Israeli forces have reportedly killed nearly 700 Palestinians, including a significant number of women and children. Several Hamas senior political and security leaders have also been targeted, according to the Islamist group.

A cornerstone of Egypt's plan is the weekly release of five Israeli hostages by Hamas, which will pave the way for Israel's implementation of the ceasefire's second phase as per insider sources. While both the U.S. and Hamas have shown agreement to the terms, Israel has yet to issue a response. Meanwhile, a timeline has been proposed for Israel's total withdrawal from Gaza, in exchange for hostages, backed by assurances from the U.S.

(With inputs from agencies.)