Egypt has submitted a new proposal aimed at achieving a ceasefire and prisoner exchange between Israel and Palestinian factions in the Gaza Strip, Israeli media reported Friday. According to the Israeli public broadcaster KAN, the proposal was presented within the past 24 hours as part of Egypt's efforts to narrow the gaps between Israel and Hamas. The report indicated that the new Egyptian offer falls between the original mediation proposal — which included the release of five living Israeli captives — and Israel's counterproposal, which demands the release of 11 living captives. Details of the new terms have not been disclosed, and Egyptian authorities have yet to comment. Israel estimates that 59 hostages remain in Gaza, with at least 22 of them believed to be alive. The development comes amid renewed hostilities, with the Israeli army launching a surprise aerial campaign on March 18 that has so far killed 1,249 people and injured over 3,000, shattering the fragile ceasefire and prisoner swap agreement brokered in January. Since the start of the war in October 2023, more than 50,600 Palestinians — mostly women and children — have been killed in Gaza. The International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants last November for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant for alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity. Israel is also facing a genocide case at the International Court of Justice. — Agencies
