'Israel' allegedly proposes truce amid renewed escalation

'Israel' has allegedly proposed a prolonged truce in Gaza in exchange for the release of roughly half of the remaining captives, 'Israeli' officials confirmed on Monday, according to Reuters.

However, the 'Israeli' military has simultaneously issued new evacuation orders and announced plans for "intense operations" in the enclave’s south, signaling a continued escalation in the conflict.

According to a report from the Hebrew newspaper Israel Hayom, 'Israel' is open to indirect discussions with Hamas, provided the group accepts a ceasefire proposal from US Middle East envoy Steve Wittkoff.

The proposal includes the release of 10 'Israeli' captives in exchange for a 50-day ceasefire, the release of Palestinian detainees from 'Israeli' prisons, and the entry of humanitarian aid into Gaza. A second phase of negotiations would follow.

'Israeli' sources report that 59 'Israeli' captives remain in Gaza, with only 24 confirmed to be alive. Meanwhile, over 9,500 Palestinians are detained in 'Israel', where conditions such as torture, hunger, and lack of medical care have led to numerous deaths.

Hamas has not rejected the proposal but accused 'Israeli' Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of resuming military operations to derail the potential agreement.

'Israel' orders evacuations as fighting intensifies in Rafah

On Monday, the 'Israeli' military ordered Palestinians in areas around the southern city of Rafah to relocate to Al-Mawasi, a coastal area. "The IDF is returning to intense operations to dismantle the capabilities of terrorist organizations in these areas," the military’s Arabic-language spokesperson stated.

Over the weekend, Hamas announced its acceptance of a ceasefire proposal mediated by Qatar and Egypt. Security sources indicated that the deal would involve the release of five captives per week in exchange for a truce.

However, efforts to advance a second phase of the US-backed ceasefire agreement, initially signed in January, have stalled due to disagreements over Gaza’s post-aggression future. 'Israel' insists on dismantling Hamas entirely and barring it from governing Gaza

Ceasefire breaks down, conflict resumes

The ceasefire, brokered by Egypt and Qatar with US support, began in January 2025 but ended in March. While Hamas adhered to the agreement, Netanyahu did not implement the second phase, leading to the resumption of hostilities.

'Israel' renewed military operations in Gaza on March 18, following a two-month ceasefire during which 33 'Israeli' captives and five Thai nationals were released in exchange for approximately 2,000 Palestinian prisoners and detainees. Since then, 'Israel' has cut off aid to Gaza, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis.

Since the October 7 event, more than 50,000 Palestinians have been killed by the Israeli Occupation, the majority of them women and children, while over 14,000 remain missing, according to Palestinian health authorities.

As diplomatic efforts falter and military actions intensify, the humanitarian toll in Gaza continues to rise, with no clear resolution in sight.