Egypt has proposed a two-day ceasefire in Gaza to facilitate the exchange of four Israeli hostages held by Hamas for Palestinian prisoners. Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi announced this during a press conference in Cairo, emphasizing the need for further talks to achieve a permanent ceasefire. The ongoing conflict, which began after Hamas's attack on Israel in October 2022, has resulted in significant casualties, with reports indicating nearly 43,000 Palestinians killed in Gaza due to Israeli military strikes.
The United Nations has described the humanitarian situation in northern Gaza as "unbearable," with civilians suffering from a lack of basic necessities. Despite Israel's assertions that its military operations comply with international law and focus on Hamas operatives, the conflict has led to widespread devastation and loss of life.
Recent Israeli airstrikes have targeted areas like Jabalia, resulting in further civilian casualties, including the deaths of local journalists. Negotiations continue with the involvement of the U.S., Qatar, and Egypt, aiming for a short-term ceasefire and potential prisoner exchanges amid the ongoing violence.