An Egyptian security delegation has traveled to Qatar to discuss efforts to secure the release of hostages, facilitate humanitarian aid into Gaza, and advance negotiations toward a second phase of a ceasefire, Egypt’s state-affiliated Al Qahera News TV reported on Thursday.
Egypt, a key mediator in the ongoing Gaza conflict, proposed a new ceasefire plan earlier this week to restore calm following renewed Israeli military operations against Hamas. The offensive, which resumed on March 18, ended a two-month period of relative stability in the war-torn enclave.
According to security sources cited by Reuters, the Egyptian proposal outlines a phased approach to de-escalation. Under the plan, Hamas would release five Israeli hostages per week, with Israel implementing the second phase of the ceasefire after the first week. The truce had largely held since January, offering temporary relief to Gaza’s 2.3 million residents, but was shattered by renewed violence.
Hamas, which Israel claims still holds 59 of the more than 250 hostages taken during the October 7, 2023, attack, has accused Israel of undermining mediation efforts aimed at securing a long-term resolution. Meanwhile, Israel maintains that it is open to temporarily extending the ceasefire if Hamas agrees to release more captives but insists that discussions on a permanent end to the conflict remain premature.
The renewed fighting has worsened the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, where large parts of the enclave have been devastated by months of conflict. Mediators, including Egypt and Qatar, continue to push for a diplomatic solution, but deep divisions between the warring sides have complicated progress toward a lasting peace agreement.
