Israel expands Gaza offensive amid ceasefire talks

Sharjah 24 – AFP: Israel announced on Saturday that its military had completed the takeover of the "Morag axis," a key corridor in southern Gaza between Rafah and Khan Yunis. The move is part of Israel’s broader campaign to establish a security zone and gain control over large parts of the Gaza Strip.

Defence Minister Israel Katz stated that the area between the Philadelphi Route and Morag is now part of the Israeli security zone. He also warned of expanded operations throughout most of Gaza, including northern areas such as Beit Hanoun.

Mass evacuations ordered in Khan Yunis

Following the interception of projectiles fired from southern Gaza, the Israeli military issued evacuation orders for residents of Khan Yunis and surrounding areas. The military warned of intensified strikes in any locations from which rockets are launched.

The United Nations expressed concern that the expanding evacuation orders could amount to the "forcible transfer" of civilians into increasingly crowded areas, endangering the viability of Palestinians in Gaza.

Talks in Cairo amid hopes for ceasefire

Amid military escalations, Hamas and Egyptian mediators were scheduled to meet in Cairo to discuss a potential ceasefire. Hamas expressed hope that the talks would lead to real progress and a full withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza.

A Hamas official told AFP that no new formal proposals had been received yet, despite media reports that Israel and Egypt had exchanged drafts for a ceasefire and hostage release deal.

Ceasefire proposal and hostage negotiations

According to Israeli media, Egypt’s proposal may involve the release of eight hostages and eight bodies held in Gaza in exchange for a truce lasting 40 to 70 days and a large-scale release of Palestinian prisoners.

US President Donald Trump said during a cabinet meeting that progress was being made on freeing hostages, and his envoy Steve Witkoff described a "very serious deal" as being close.

Rising death toll and continued strikes

Since Israel resumed airstrikes in Gaza following the collapse of a ceasefire on March 18, more than 1,500 Palestinians have been killed, according to Gaza’s health ministry. The total death toll since the war began has reached 50,933.

The UN Human Rights Office reported that many of the recent strikes have killed only women and children. On Saturday, AFP footage showed four bodies wrapped in white shrouds in a local hospital following another deadly strike.

The conflict began after the Hamas-led attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, which killed 1,218 people, mostly civilians, according to Israeli figures.