Egypt presents new Gaza ceasefire, prisoner swap proposal to Hamas, Israel

CAIRO – 10 April 2025: Egypt has officially unveiled a recent proposal to restore calm in Gaza, which will allow residents “to catch their breath” and facilitate a captive-prisoner swap between Hamas and Israel.

During a televised interview on Alghad TV published early on Thursday, Minister of Foreign Affairs Badr Abdelatty said the proposal aims to restore calm in Gaza and allow the delivery of humanitarian aid.

He stated that the proposal has been communicated to all involved parties and affirmed that discussions are ongoing to seek its acceptance.

The Egyptian proposal “would allow the residents of Gaza to catch their breath after this fierce war that is targeting civilian women and children, who are absolutely not to blame,” he said.

The top Egyptian diplomat did not disclose specific details of the proposal.

Reports this week noted that the proposal suggests a truce lasting 40 to 70 days in exchange for the return of 16 captives held by Hamas, eight of whom are alive.

Rejecting Displacement

Abdelatty reiterated Egypt’s full rejection of the schemes for the so-called “voluntary” as well as forced displacement of Palestinian residents from Gaza in light of the ongoing Israeli war.

“This is unacceptable,” Abdelatty said. “Why would residents be forced to leave their lands?”

The foreign minister highlighted several instances of widespread destruction globally, including in Gaza, Japan, and parts of Europe, stressing that these areas were rehabilitated without expelling residents.

He noted the Egyptian plan for early recovery and reconstruction of Gaza, which has been endorsed by Arab and Islamic nations, as well as the European Union and Japan, and emphasized that it does not require the displacement of residents.

Global Silence ‘Suspicious’

Abdelatty described the international silence regarding Israel’s violations of international law as not only “shameful” but also “suspicious.”

He warned that such silence undermines international law and the multilateral system.

“If we disregard international law and implement a policy of double standards, this will undermine the multilateral international system,” Abdelatty said. “This will open the way for the law of the jungle to prevail.”

He called for a clear international position to ensure that no state is above the law.

French President Emmanuel Macron condemned on Tuesday, the targeting of humanitarian and relief teams in the Gaza Strip

🇪🇬🇫🇷#Egypt #France #Macron | #مصر #السيسي #ماكرون #فرنسا #تحيا_مصرhttps://t.co/ayS8TCK0iW

— Egypt Today Magazine (@EgyptTodayMag) April 9, 2025

‘Two-State Solution Essential for Israel’

The foreign minister emphasized that a two-state solution is the only way to achieve a just and comprehensive settlement for the Palestinian cause and to ensure Israel’s security.

“Without this [two-state solution], I can assure you that there is no way to achieve security and stability in this region, nor for the Israeli side,” Abdelatty stated.

He underscored that the Israeli “illusions of power, possessing power, and imposing one's will” may only be valid for a limited period.

“If we are talking about the future, about [Israel’s] integration into the region and achieving stability and security, there is no way to accomplish this except by fulfilling the legitimate aspirations of the Palestinian people through the establishment of a state on the ground.”

He noted that more than 57 countries have offered normalization with Israel in exchange for a two-state solution and the establishment of a Palestinian state.