GAZA CITY, Israel & CAIRO, Egypt — The Gaza conflict has escalated further, with over 60 Palestinians killed in a single day as Israeli airstrikes intensify.
Meanwhile, Egypt has proposed a new ceasefire agreement aimed at pausing hostilities and negotiating the release of Israeli hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners.
The Gaza Health Ministry reported Monday, March 23, 2025, that 61 people were killed and 143 injured in the latest round of airstrikes.
The total death toll in Gaza has now surpassed 50,000, with over 113,000 wounded since the war began in October 2023.
The ministry states that women and children make up more than half of the casualties.
A New Ceasefire Proposal on the Table
As the humanitarian crisis deepens, Egypt has proposed a ceasefire plan involving a multi-week pause in fighting, increased humanitarian aid deliveries, the release of five hostages held by Hamas, including an American-Israeli citizen, and the exchange of hundreds of Palestinian prisoners.
A Hamas official confirmed a “positive response” to the proposal, but negotiations remain ongoing as both sides dispute key conditions.
The offer comes after previous ceasefire talks collapsed, leaving 59 hostages still in captivity—at least 35 of whom are believed to be dead.
Hospitals and Civilian Sites Under Fire
The violence has directly impacted medical facilities.
On Sunday night, an Israeli strike hit Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis, killing a 16-year-old surgery patient and a senior Hamas political figure, Ismail Barhoum.
Dozens of wounded patients and medical staff were caught in the attack, as reported by the Gaza Health Ministry.
The Israeli military confirmed the strike, claiming it targeted a Hamas member and reiterating its stance that militants operate within civilian areas.
Meanwhile, Dr. Feroze Sidhwa, an American trauma surgeon volunteering in Gaza, testified that many victims at the hospital had already survived previous strikes before being wounded again.
Rafah Civilians Trapped Amid Israeli Encirclement
In Rafah, Israeli forces have surrounded the Tel al-Sultan neighborhood, ordering thousands of civilians to evacuate towards the Muwasi region, where sprawling tent camps have been set up.
Palestinian Red Crescent officials report that evacuees faced shelling and drone fire along escape routes.
“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 has also lost contact with a 10-person rescue team, and several medics are feared injured.
Violence Spreads Beyond Gaza
In northern Israel, a Palestinian militant carried out a vehicle-ramming and shooting attack at a bus stop, killing one Israeli civilian and seriously injuring another.
Israeli police shot and killed the attacker, describing the incident as an act of terrorism.
Meanwhile, Israel’s cabinet has approved the establishment of 13 new settlements in the occupied West Bank, drawing condemnation from international observers.
The expansion is expected to further inflame regional tensions.
Political Fallout in Israel
Domestically, Israeli politics remain tense.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government voted to express no confidence in Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara, a move seen as an attempt to consolidate executive power and reduce legal oversight.
The decision has triggered protests in Jerusalem, with opposition leaders warning of a constitutional crisis.
Will the Ceasefire Hold?
The previous ceasefire, agreed to in January, collapsed on March 19, when Israel resumed airstrikes, citing security concerns.
A second phase of negotiations, aimed at securing a longer truce and full Israeli withdrawal, never materialized.
With Egypt’s new proposal now on the table, attention turns to whether both sides are willing to pause hostilities long enough to restart serious negotiations—or whether Gaza will see yet another failed attempt at peace.
