CAIRO -A security delegation from Egypt, one of the mediators in Gaza negotiations, has headed to Qatar for talks on releasing hostages, admitting aid into the enclave and moving towards a second phase of a ceasefire, state-affiliated Al Qahera News TV said on Thursday.

Egypt floated a new proposal on Monday aimed at restoring the Gaza ceasefire deal, security sources told Reuters.

The proposal follows an escalation in violence after Israel resumed air and ground operations against Hamas militants on March 18, ending a two-month period of relative calm.

The Egyptian plan calls for Hamas to release five Israeli hostages each week, with Israel implementing the second phase of the ceasefire after the first week, two security sources said.

Israel and Hamas accused each other of breaching the truce. It had broadly held since January and offered respite from war for the 2.3 million inhabitants of Gaza, which has been reduced to rubble.

Hamas, which still holds 59 of more than 250 hostages Israel says the group seized in its October 7, 2023 attack, accuses Israel of jeopardising efforts by mediators to negotiate a permanent deal to end the fighting.

Israel says it would be willing to extend the ceasefire temporarily if Hamas releases more hostages, but without moving yet to a second phase during which it would negotiate a permanent end to the war.

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