Egypt has presented a new offer to reestablish a ceasefire agreement in Gaza.

The new ceasefire plan proposed by Egypt involves Hamas releasing five Israeli hostages every week, while Israel is expected to implement the second phase of the ceasefire by the end of the first week. Hamas still holds 59 hostages, with 24 believed to be alive. In an operation on October 7, 2023, Hamas had taken more than 250 people hostage from Israel. Most of the remaining hostages have either been released or their bodies returned. Security sources mentioned that the U.S. and Hamas have accepted this offer, but Israel has not responded yet. While a Hamas official did not directly confirm the offer, they stated to Reuters, “Various proposals are being discussed with mediators to create a common ground to start the second phase of the agreement and resume negotiations.” ISRAEL’S WITHDRAWAL TIMETABLE

Security sources also noted that Egypt’s plan includes a timetable for Israel to completely withdraw from Gaza, supported by U.S. assurances. Although Hamas accuses Israel of violating the ceasefire agreement in January, they indicate willingness to negotiate a new ceasefire. Hamas is said to be evaluating proposals presented by Steve Witkoff, special envoy of U.S. President Donald Trump. Egypt’s proposal came after Israel resumed air and ground operations against Hamas on March 18. This move ended the two-month ceasefire following a 15-month-long war. As the proposal was conveyed last week, Palestinian health officials reported at least 65 people killed by Israel’s attacks in Gaza over the past 24 hours. Health officials in Gaza stated that due to Israeli airstrikes and artillery fire, approximately 700 Palestinians have died since then, with at least 400 being women and children. Among those killed on Monday were local journalists Muhammed Mansur and Hussam Shabat. The Palestinian Journalists Syndicate announced that at least 206 journalists have died as a result of Israeli attacks since the clashes began in October 2023. There has been no statement from Israel on this matter yet. Hamas also announced that some of its members, including high-ranking political and security officials, have been killed. NEW VIDEO FROM HAMAS

On Monday, Hamas released a video featuring 35-year-old Elkana Bohbot and 24-year-old Yosef Haim-Ohana, who were captured on October 7 during the Nova music festival. Palestinian officials stated that over 50,000 people have died in the clashes that have lasted for the past 18 months. SITUATION IN RAFAH

Israel’s attacks on Gaza have intensified in the southern city of Rafah. The Rafah municipality announced that Israeli military forces had entered some areas and that thousands of people were trapped in the Tel Al-Sultan neighborhood. Officials also emphasized the shortage of water, food, and medicine in this area. The Palestinian Civil Emergency Services reported that 50,000 people are cornered in Rafah. The Israeli army claimed to have conducted operations in the area to “destroy the terrorist infrastructure and neutralize terrorists.” A United Nations (UN) spokesperson stated on Monday that they would reduce their presence in Gaza due to the renewed escalation of conflicts but continue to provide humanitarian aid to civilians. The UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) reported that 124,000 Palestinians have been displaced in the recent days. UNRWA tweeted, “Families are forced to migrate with a few belongings. They have no shelter or security. Israeli authorities have cut off all assistance. There is a shortage of food, and prices have skyrocketed. This is a humanitarian catastrophe. The siege must end.”