Synopsis
On March 24, Egypt submitted a new proposal to Israel and Hamas aimed at reinstating the Gaza ceasefire. The plan includes Hamas releasing five Israeli hostages in exchange for a 40-day ceasefire to facilitate further negotiations.Key Takeaways
- Egypt has put forth a new proposal to restore the Gaza ceasefire.
- Hamas has agreed to release five Israeli hostages.
- The ceasefire would last for 40 days to allow for negotiations.
- Concerns about civilian casualties in Gaza are rising.
- Negotiations are crucial for resolving the crisis.
Cairo, March 24 (NationPress) Egypt has submitted a fresh proposal to Israel and Hamas with the objective of reinstating the ceasefire in Gaza, according to two knowledgeable Egyptian security sources who spoke with Xinhua news agency on Monday.
"Egypt forwarded an urgent proposal on Sunday evening to both parties involved in the conflict, aiming to terminate the war and recommence discussions concerning the second phase of the initial ceasefire agreement," the sources, who chose to remain anonymous, disclosed.
As per the latest proposal, "Hamas will free five living Israeli hostages, which includes an Israeli-American soldier, in exchange for a 40-day ceasefire in the strip, thereby facilitating talks on the next phase," the sources elaborated.
Hamas has promptly accepted Egypt's new proposal, noted the sources, though it remains unclear if Israel has provided any feedback.
On the same day, Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty and Kaja Kallas, the European Union's (EU) High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, urged the parties to resume ceasefire negotiations in Gaza.
During a joint press briefing following a meeting with the EU diplomat in Cairo, Abdelatty remarked, "The sole method to liberate all (Israeli) detainees is to return to the negotiation table and uphold the ceasefire agreement," opposing the resumption of Israeli military actions against civilians in the Gaza Strip.
He also emphasized the urgency of advancing to the second phase of the preliminary Gaza ceasefire agreement that was initiated on January 19.
Kallas stated to reporters that the EU is deeply troubled by the loss of lives in Gaza due to Israel's renewed military actions.
"Israelis must resume negotiations and cease the killings and bombings. Additionally, the hostages need to be released," she asserted.
"Our messages must be unequivocal: humanitarian law must be upheld, lives must be preserved, and humanitarian aid must reach those in need," she added.
Israel recommenced strikes in Gaza on March 18 after the ceasefire deal with Hamas, which commenced on January 19, fell apart. Subsequently, Israeli forces initiated ground operations throughout southern, northern, and central Gaza. The death toll from this latest escalation has surpassed 730, according to health authorities in Gaza on Monday.
