Mediators Present Updated Gaza Ceasefire Proposal to Israel, Hamas

Qatar, Egypt, and the United States have presented Israel and Hamas with an updated ceasefire proposal aimed at ending the ongoing conflict in Gaza. Key changes include Israel's agreement to reduce its military presence near the Gaza-Egypt border from 5 kilometers to 1.5 kilometers and adjustments to the prisoner exchange ratios, with plans to release 125 Palestinian prisoners serving life sentences and over 1,100 detainees from Gaza in exchange for Israeli captives. The proposal also calls for a 60-day ceasefire and a substantial increase in humanitarian aid, although delivery mechanisms remain a sticking point, with Hamas rejecting aid routed through the US-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation. Israeli far-right figures have criticized the talks, urging for continued military operations instead of ceasefire negotiations. Meanwhile, Gaza faces a deepening humanitarian crisis, with widespread malnutrition and ongoing airstrikes causing further casualties. Efforts to build international support for Gaza relief continue, including grassroots campaigns like Cork’s "One Plate for Palestine," which raises funds through Palestinian-inspired cuisine to aid those affected.