Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi proposed an initial two-day ceasefire in Gaza on Sunday to facilitate a limited exchange of hostages held by Hamas for Palestinian prisoners in Israeli custody. The announcement came amid escalating Israeli airstrikes that claimed 45 Palestinian lives in Gaza. Talks were underway in Qatar, where CIA and Mossad directors participated in renewed efforts to deescalate the ongoing conflict, now extending over a year.
El-Sisi, speaking at a press conference with Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune, emphasized the need to resume broader negotiations within 10 days of implementing this temporary truce, aiming for a lasting ceasefire. While Israel and Hamas have not yet commented, a Palestinian official involved in mediation told Reuters that Hamas is open to considering offers that conclude hostilities and remove Israeli forces from Gaza.
As part of the mediation effort, the U.S., Qatar, and Egypt are pushing for a resolution following the October 7 attacks by Hamas on southern Israel, which left 1,200 Israelis dead and resulted in over 250 hostages being taken, according to Israeli reports. Gaza’s death toll has approached 43,000 due to Israeli air and ground strikes, as densely populated areas suffer extensive damage.
In the north of Gaza, at least 43 people were killed on Sunday, with Jabalia—the largest historic refugee camp in Gaza—remaining a central target. A strike there reportedly killed 20 people, while another strike on a school sheltering displaced families in Shati camp resulted in nine deaths and multiple injuries, including local journalists. Footage from Palestinian media showed residents rescuing casualties amidst debris.
Israel has confirmed killing over 40 militants in Jabalia over the last 24 hours and dismantling weaponry in the area. The Gaza health ministry reports around 800 people have died in the recent three-week offensive targeting towns in northern Gaza, including Jabalia, Beit Hanoun, and Beit Lahiya.