Egypt Presents New Gaza Ceasefire Proposal Amid Rising Tensions

Egypt has introduced a new ceasefire proposal aimed at de-escalating the ongoing conflict in Gaza, which has now entered its third week following the collapse of previous truce efforts. This new proposal, Egypt’s fourth attempt in under a month, seeks to resolve lingering disputes between Israel, Hamas, and the Palestinian Authority.

According to reports, Egypt’s initiative is designed to bridge the gaps left by previous ceasefire plans put forth by Egypt, Israel, and the United States. Despite these previous efforts failing to gain consensus, Egypt remains committed to facilitating a peaceful resolution in Gaza. Experts see this latest proposal as a potential opportunity for calm ahead of the Jewish Passover holiday, which begins on April 20.

Key Discussions in Cairo

On Saturday, Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdellaty held crucial talks with a Palestinian delegation led by Fatah Central Committee Secretary Jibril Rajoub. The meeting, also attended by key Palestinian figures such as Rawhi Fattouh and Mohammad Shtayyeh, focused on the “urgent Israeli escalation” in Gaza and Egypt’s efforts to broker a ceasefire. The Egyptian Foreign Ministry issued a statement emphasizing the need for immediate action to restore calm and expedite the delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza.

Although specifics of the new proposal were not officially revealed, sources indicate that the plan seeks to address ongoing disputes over hostages and the terms of a ceasefire. The proposal includes provisions for the release of several hostages and aims to secure a temporary pause in hostilities to allow for humanitarian assistance.

Past Ceasefire Attempts and Stalemate

Since the collapse of the previous ceasefire on March 18, diplomatic efforts to restore peace have faced significant hurdles. The United States, under the guidance of President Donald Trump’s envoy Steve Witkoff, had suggested a ceasefire until April 20, alongside the release of multiple hostages. However, Hamas only agreed to release a single hostage, sparking further deadlock.

Egypt’s previous proposal included the release of five hostages, including an American-Israeli, in exchange for a temporary halt in fighting, allowing humanitarian aid to flow into Gaza and the release of hundreds of Palestinian prisoners. However, negotiations continued to stall, with Israel and Hamas failing to reach an agreement.

International Involvement and Pressure on Israel

As the conflict continues to rage, international diplomatic pressure is intensifying. Netanyahu is expected to meet with U.S. President Trump at the White House on Monday, where discussions will focus on finding a long-term solution to the Gaza crisis. Trump has reaffirmed his commitment to resolving the issue, following talks with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi earlier this week.

In parallel, Egyptian President Sisi also spoke with French President Emmanuel Macron on Saturday, underscoring the urgency of restoring peace and facilitating humanitarian access to Gaza.

Challenges to a Lasting Peace

Political analysts warn that while Egypt’s new proposal offers a possible middle ground, the success of any ceasefire ultimately hinges on Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu’s willingness to negotiate. Palestinian political analyst Dr. Husam al-Dajani emphasized that any proposal that helps end the conflict will be welcomed by the Palestinian resistance, though he cautioned that Netanyahu’s priorities may not align with peace efforts.

As diplomatic efforts continue, the international community remains focused on finding a solution that will not only restore peace but also address the humanitarian crisis facing Gaza’s civilians.