CAIRO/JERUSALEM: Egypt has introduced a new ceasefire proposal to restore calm in Gaza, security sources said Monday, as Palestinian health authorities reported that Israeli airstrikes have killed at least 65 people in the past 24 hours.
The proposal, presented last week, comes amid escalating violence following Israel’s resumption of air and ground operations against Hamas last Tuesday. Palestinian health officials say nearly 700 people, including 400 women and children, have been killed since then. Hamas confirmed the deaths of several senior political and security officials.
According to security sources, Egypt’s plan calls for Hamas to release five hostages each week, with Israel beginning the second phase of the ceasefire after the first week. Hamas is currently holding 59 hostages, with 24 believed to still be alive.
The U.S. and Hamas have reportedly agreed to the proposal, but Israel has yet to respond. A Hamas official declined to confirm the offer but stated that “several proposals are being discussed with mediators.”
The Egyptian proposal also includes a phased timeline for Israel’s full withdrawal from Gaza, backed by U.S. guarantees, in exchange for the release of hostages, sources added.
