Egypt has proposed a ceasefire deal involving Hamas releasing Israeli hostages. In response to increasing tensions, the precondition is a 40-day truce to enable further negotiations. Recent attacks in Israel and escalated military actions in Gaza have led to significant casualties, highlighting the urgency of resuming peace talks.
Egypt has proposed a new plan to Israel and Hamas in an effort to revive the ceasefire in Gaza. This proposal, confirmed by Egyptian security sources, includes a provision for Hamas to release five living Israeli hostages, including an Israeli-American soldier. In exchange, a ceasefire in Gaza would be established for 40 days, facilitating further negotiations to advance to the next stage of the ceasefire agreement.
Hamas has accepted this proposal, although there is no indication yet regarding Israel’s response. The urgency of this proposal comes after discussions between Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty and EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas, who both emphasized the importance of returning to negotiations to prevent further loss of life and military action against civilians in Gaza.
Abdelatty pointed out the necessity of moving swiftly towards the second phase of the ceasefire initially established on January 19. Kallas also expressed the need for a halt to Israeli military operations and the release of hostages, underscoring that humanitarian law must be respected to ensure the safety and aid for the people in Gaza.
Since the ceasefire collapsed, Israel resumed military strikes in Gaza beginning March 18, leading to significant casualties. Health authorities in Gaza reported over 730 deaths due to this escalation in conflict.
In northern Israel, an attack resulted in the death of a 75-year-old man and left another seriously injured, marking the first incident of violence since Israel’s military operations resumed. The attack involved multiple methods including ramming, stabbing, and shooting, confirming the ongoing volatility in the region.
Egypt’s renewed proposal includes a ceasefire contingent upon the release of hostages by Hamas, as both sides face increasing international pressure to negotiate. The situation remains critical, with rising casualties and recent violent incidents impacting civilians. A swift return to dialogue is essential to prevent further escalation and ensure humanitarian needs are met.
Original Source: gulfnews.com
