**New Ceasefire Plan for Gaza**
A new ceasefire plan is being considered in negotiations between Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas. The plan would see five more hostages released to Israel in exchange for a 50-day truce.
Hamas has approved the draft deal sent by Egyptian and Qatari mediators. Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu‘s office has also received the plan, but has made a counter-proposal after coordinating with the US.
**Background on the Conflict**
The ceasefire is being proposed as Israeli forces continue air strikes across Gaza and conduct a ground operation in Rafah. The conflict started earlier this year when a previous ceasefire deal broke down. During the first phase of that deal, Hamas released 33 hostages, but still holds 59 hostages, though not all are alive.
**New Ceasefire Deal**
If agreed, the new limited ceasefire agreement could coincide with the Muslim holiday of Eid al-Fitr. The plan would see five more hostages released to Israel in exchange for a 50-day truce. Hamas has insisted that the original agreement be adhered to, but Israel and the US have proposed extending the ceasefire without any guarantee that the conflict would end.
**Continued Conflict**
The conflict continues with Israeli airstrikes in Gaza killing over 900 people, according to the Hamas-run Health Ministry. Israel’s Defense Forces say their ground operation is part of an effort to expand the security zone around Gaza.
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