Egypt has introduced a new ceasefire proposal to restore peace in Gaza, security sources told Reuters on Monday. Meanwhile, Palestinian health authorities confirmed that Israeli airstrikes killed at least 65 people in the past 24 hours.
The proposal, presented last week, follows an increase in violence. Israel resumed air and ground attacks on Hamas militants on March 18. This marked the end of a two-month truce after 15 months of conflict.
Since then, Gaza health officials reported nearly 700 Palestinian deaths due to Israeli airstrikes and shelling. Among them, at least 400 were women and children.
On Monday, two local journalists, Mohammad Mansour and Hussam Shabat, lost their lives in the attacks. The Palestinian Journalist Syndicate stated that at least 206 journalists had been killed since the conflict began in October 2023. So far, Israel has not commented on these claims.
In addition, Hamas confirmed the deaths of several senior political and security officials.
Later on Monday, the Israeli military intercepted a missile launched from Yemen before it entered Israeli airspace. Sirens rang out in Jerusalem, Tel Aviv, and nearby areas. Iran-backed Houthi forces in Yemen have frequently fired missiles in support of Hamas.
Egypt’s ceasefire plan suggests that Hamas release five Israeli hostages each week. In return, Israel would begin implementing the second phase of the truce after the first week.
Currently, Hamas holds 59 hostages, with 24 believed to be alive. The group captured more than 250 people during its October 7, 2023, attack. Many have since been freed or returned in prisoner exchanges.
Both the U.S. and Hamas have accepted Egypt’s proposal. However, Israel has not yet responded.
