Gaza Death Toll Rises as Egypt Pushes New Ceasefire Proposal/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning EDition/ Israeli strikes across Gaza have killed at least 61 people in the last 24 hours, according to local health officials, as Egypt introduces a new ceasefire proposal. The deal would involve the release of hostages by Hamas in exchange for a pause in fighting and humanitarian aid. Meanwhile, civilians continue to flee as fighting intensifies around Rafah and southern Gaza hospitals are overwhelmed.
Gaza Ceasefire Crisis: Quick Looks
- 61 Killed in 24 Hours: Gaza’s Health Ministry reports 61 deaths from Israeli airstrikes, with the total death toll now surpassing 50,000.
- Egypt Proposes New Ceasefire: Proposal includes a weeks-long pause, aid deliveries, and a swap of five hostages for Palestinian prisoners.
- Hamas Responds Positively: A Hamas official confirmed a favorable response to the Egyptian plan, pending further negotiations.
- Hospital Hit: Israeli strike on Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis kills a teen and senior Hamas official; dozens more injured.
- Bus Stop Attack in Israel: A vehicle-ramming and shooting in northern Israel kills one, in what police call a terror attack.
- Civilians Trapped in Rafah: Thousands stuck amid Israeli encirclement; evacuees report shelling and drone fire along escape routes.
- US Surgeon Testifies: American doctor in Gaza describes operating on patients wounded twice by Israeli strikes.
- Israel Claims 20,000 Militants Killed: Officials maintain military goals target Hamas fighters, though Gaza casualties are mostly civilians.
- New Settlements in West Bank: Israeli cabinet approves 13 new settlements, escalating tensions beyond Gaza.
- Ceasefire in Tatters: Initial January ceasefire collapsed after Israel resumed strikes last week, stalling hostage negotiations.
Gaza Death Toll Rises as Egypt Pushes New Ceasefire Proposal
Deep Look
GAZA & CAIRO — The latest escalation in the Gaza conflict has left more than 60 Palestinians dead in a single day, even as Egypt pushes a new ceasefire deal that could see the release of Israeli hostages and the return of limited calm to the region.
The Gaza Health Ministry reported Monday that 61 people were killed in Israeli airstrikes within 24 hours, with 143 more injured. Among the dead were women and children, as residential areas, schools, and hospitals once again became targets in the intensifying conflict.
Israel launched its renewed assault nearly a week ago, abruptly ending a fragile ceasefire with a wave of surprise airstrikes. The Gaza Health Ministry now places the total Palestinian death toll at over 50,000, with more than 113,000 injured since the war began in October 2023. The ministry does not distinguish between combatants and civilians, though it says women and children account for over half the casualties.
A New Proposal on the Table
As the death toll rises, Egypt has proposed a new ceasefire plan to restart stalled negotiations between Israel and Hamas. According to Egyptian officials, the deal would involve Hamas releasing five living hostages — including an American-Israeli — in exchange for a multi-week pause in fighting, an influx of humanitarian aid, and the release of hundreds of Palestinian prisoners.
A Hamas official confirmed a “positive response” to the plan, though both sides remain deeply divided over conditions. The proposal follows failed efforts earlier this month to negotiate the release of the remaining 59 hostages, at least 35 of whom are believed to be dead.
Hospitals Under Fire
In southern Gaza, Nasser Hospital — the territory’s largest medical facility in the region — was struck by Israeli forces Sunday night. Two people were killed, including 16-year-old surgery patient and Hamas political figure Ismail Barhoum, according to the Health Ministry and Hamas. Dozens were injured, including many patients previously wounded in last week’s airstrikes.
The Israeli military confirmed the strike, stating it targeted a Hamas militant. It has repeatedly accused the group of operating within civilian infrastructure.
Meanwhile, American trauma surgeon Dr. Feroze Sidhwa, volunteering in Gaza, said many of the victims hit at the hospital had already been recovering from previous attacks.
Chaos in Rafah
In the city of Rafah, Israeli forces have encircled the Tel al-Sultan neighborhood, ordering civilians to evacuate by foot toward Muwasi — a coastal area turned into sprawling tent camps. Thousands fled under shelling and drone fire, but many remain trapped, including first responders from the Palestinian Red Crescent and civil defense units.
“It’s displacement under fire,” said journalist Mustafa Gaber, who fled with his family. “The shells are falling among us and the bullets are flying above us.”
The Red Crescent said contact was lost with a 10-person rescue team in the area, and some were believed to be wounded.
Attacks Spread Beyond Gaza
In northern Israel, a suspected Palestinian militant killed one man and seriously injured another in a vehicle-ramming and shooting attack at a bus stop. Police fatally shot the attacker, whom they described as a terrorist. The incident is part of a broader uptick in West Bank and Israeli attacks since the war began.
Settlements and Politics
As violence spreads, Israel’s Cabinet approved the creation of 13 new settlements in the occupied West Bank by rezoning existing ones. The move drew condemnation from international watchdog groups and is likely to inflame regional tensions further.
Simultaneously, political unrest is growing inside Israel. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government voted to express no confidence in Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara — a move widely seen as an attempt to consolidate power and sideline legal oversight. Demonstrations erupted in Jerusalem, with growing fears of constitutional crisis.
A Broken Ceasefire
The ceasefire reached in January allowed for the release of hostages and a temporary return of displaced Gazans. However, renewed Israeli strikes on March 19 shattered the fragile peace. Talks for a second phase — involving a lasting truce, full Israeli withdrawal, and the release of remaining hostages — never began, stalled by political divisions and military pressure.
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