Israel Intensifies Military Operations in Gaza Amid New Egyptian Proposal for Ceasefire Deal
As diplomatic efforts continue to seek a resolution to the ongoing war in Gaza, Israel has escalated its military campaign, launching a new ground operation in the Shujaiya neighborhood of northern Gaza, and intensifying air and artillery strikes across Khan Younis, eastern Gaza City, and Rafah.
The Israeli Broadcasting Authority reported Saturday that Egypt has proposed a new ceasefire and prisoner exchange deal, described as a "compromise" between Israel and Hamas. Despite this development, Israeli tanks advanced into eastern Shujaiya early in the morning, accompanied by heavy bombardment, as the Israeli military announced the start of a new ground assault aimed at expanding the so-called "security zone" and exerting pressure on Hamas to regain control of more territory and secure the release of Israeli hostages.
According to the Israeli army, the 401st Brigade was tasked with expanding operations in northern Gaza and destroying Hamas infrastructure. The assault triggered mass evacuations, with Israeli forces ordering the immediate evacuation of several neighborhoods. Thousands of Palestinians were forced to flee from Shujaiya and Zaytoun, carrying what belongings they could as they sought refuge in the central and western areas of Gaza City.
Hamas, meanwhile, warned that nearly half of the Israeli captives are being held in areas Israel has recently targeted for evacuation. The group said it would not relocate the captives, citing the risks involved.
Abu Obeida, spokesperson for Hamas's military wing, the Al-Qassam Brigades, warned Israel: 'If the enemy cares about the lives of its captives, it must immediately enter negotiations for their release. The warning has been given.'
He held Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government fully responsible for the hostages' fate, arguing that a commitment to earlier agreements would have already secured their release.
Amid these developments, *The Wall Street Journal* revealed that Israel is preparing for a large-scale ground invasion of Gaza, with the goal of long-term occupation and the complete dismantling of Hamas's remaining infrastructure. The operation is reportedly led by newly appointed Israeli Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir and enjoys the full backing of Netanyahu's government.
In parallel diplomatic moves, White House envoy Steve Weikoff is expected to travel to the Middle East next week. According to Axios, Weikoff will meet Israeli Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer in Abu Dhabi to discuss a potential ceasefire and exchange deal. He may also visit Doha or Cairo, depending on progress in negotiations, with hopes pinned on Hamas agreeing to release around five live hostages.
Meanwhile, the humanitarian toll continues to grow. Gaza's Health Ministry reported at least 60 Palestinians killed in the past 24 hours due to Israeli strikes. The UN agency for Palestinian refugees, UNRWA, reported that the collapse of a ceasefire between March 18 and 23 led to the displacement of 142,000 people, bringing the total number of internally displaced persons to 1.9 million since the war began.
UNRWA Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini condemned the situation, noting that around 100 children are being killed or injured daily. He stated that the death toll among children has reached approximately 15,000 since the start of the conflict, calling Gaza 'a forbidden land for children.'
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