US proposes new Gaza ceasefire deal as peace talks continue

CIA Director William Burns presented a new hostage-release proposal in Cairo, aiming to resolve the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas that has persisted for six months, the White House revealed Monday.

The proposal urges Hamas to release 40 hostages in exchange for Israel freeing 900 Palestinian prisoners in the initial phase of a three-stage ceasefire. The Israeli security cabinet is set to review the proposal on Tuesday.

Discussions in Cairo involved meetings between Burns, Israeli officials, and counterparts from Qatar and Egypt, alongside separate talks with a Hamas delegation. The talks continue with hopes of a ceasefire by Wednesday.

Meanwhile, Israel announced plans to enter Rafah in southern Gaza, with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu asserting the need to achieve victory over Hamas.

Israel faces criticism over civilian casualties, with calls for humanitarian aid and improved security coordination. More than 33,000 Palestinians have lost their lives in Gaza, per the Hamas-run health ministry.