Egypt has introduced a new initiative to restore a ceasefire in Gaza, security sources told Reuters on Monday, as Palestinian health officials reported at least 65 deaths from Israeli airstrikes in the past 24 hours. The proposal, presented last week, comes after Israel resumed military operations against Hamas on March 18, ending a two-month pause in the 15-month-long war. Since then, nearly 700 Palestinians have been killed, including at least 400 women and children, according to Gaza health authorities.

Among those killed on Monday were two local journalists, Mohammad Mansour and Hussam Shabat. The Palestinian Journalist Syndicate stated that 206 journalists have died in Gaza since October 2023. Hamas also reported the deaths of several senior political and security officials. Later on Monday, the Israeli military intercepted a missile launched from Yemen, with warning sirens sounding across Jerusalem, Tel Aviv, and other areas. The Iran-backed Houthi forces in Yemen have previously fired missiles at Israel in support of Hamas.

The Egyptian proposal suggests that Hamas release five Israeli hostages per week, with Israel initiating the second phase of the ceasefire after the first week. Hamas is believed to be holding 59 hostages, of whom 24 are presumed alive. Both the US and Hamas have accepted the proposal, but Israel has yet to respond.

Egypt’s plan also includes a timeline for Israel’s complete military withdrawal from Gaza, backed by US guarantees, in exchange for the release of all remaining hostages. Hamas, accusing Israel of violating the January ceasefire, remains open to negotiations and is reviewing multiple proposals. Meanwhile, humanitarian conditions in Gaza continue to deteriorate. Thousands remain trapped in Rafah, where Israeli forces have entered the Tel Al-Sultan district. The UN warned of a worsening crisis, with severe shortages of food, water, and medical supplies. UNRWA reported that 124,000 Palestinians have been displaced in recent days, calling the situation a “humanitarian catastrophe” and urging an end to the siege.

Disclaimer: This image is taken from Reuters.