Egypt has proposed a ceasefire renewal plan to Israel and Hamas, involving the release of five Israeli hostages for a 40-day truce. Hamas has agreed, while the Israeli response remains unknown. Egyptian officials emphasize the need to resume negotiations and address humanitarian issues resulting from ongoing violence in Gaza.
Cairo has proposed a new initiative to Israel and Hamas aimed at reinstating the Gaza ceasefire, as disclosed by two Egyptian security sources to Xinhua news agency. The proposal, submitted urgently on Sunday night, focuses on ending hostilities and engaging in further negotiations concerning a subsequent phase of the truce agreement.
The initiative stipulates that Hamas will release five Israeli hostages, including an Israeli-American soldier, in exchange for a 40-day ceasefire in Gaza, which would facilitate discussions on the next stage of the ceasefire deal. Hamas has reportedly agreed to these terms; however, it remains unclear if Israel has responded.
Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty and Kaja Kallas, the European Union’s High Representative for Foreign Affairs, have emphasized the importance of returning to ceasefire negotiations. During a joint press conference, Abdelatty articulated that adhering to the ceasefire agreement is essential for the release of all Israeli hostages and condemned renewed Israeli military actions against Gaza’s civilians.
Kallas expressed the EU’s deep concern regarding the humanitarian crisis resulting from Israeli hostilities, urging Israel to recommence negotiations and cease violence. She highlighted the necessity of complying with humanitarian law and ensuring aid reaches affected populations.
Following the breakdown of the ceasefire on March 18, Israeli forces resumed their military operations in Gaza, resulting in over 730 casualties as reported by local health authorities. This escalation has coincided with a violent attack in northern Israel that led to the death of a 75-year-old man and severe injuries to another individual. The attack, attributed to a suspected assailant, heightened tensions amid the current conflict.
The article outlines Egypt’s proposal to revive the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas by facilitating the release of hostages in exchange for a temporary truce. It also reflects on the urgent need for renewed negotiations as articulated by both Egyptian officials and EU representatives. This situation is compounded by recent military actions that have resulted in significant casualties in Gaza, raising further humanitarian concerns.
Original Source: gulfnews.com
