Egypt on Wednesday called on the international community to intensify efforts toward a comprehensive settlement of the Palestinian issue, urging Israel to accept a ceasefire deal endorsed by Hamas and based on a proposal from US envoy Steve Witkoff. In a statement, the Egyptian Foreign Ministry said that implementing the agreement would accelerate a ceasefire in Gaza, facilitate the entry of humanitarian aid, and secure the release of hostages and Palestinian prisoners. Cairo added that the deal could help revive the two-state solution and advance relevant international resolutions. Egypt also welcomed ongoing international efforts to end the Ukraine crisis, praising US President Donald Trump's role in trying to halt the war. Meanwhile, Gaza's Health Ministry reported that 58 people were killed and 185 injured in the past 24 hours, bringing the death toll since October 7, 2023, to more than 62,000, with 156,000 wounded. It said hospital occupancy had reached 300 percent, describing the situation as an "unprecedented health catastrophe." On the ground, Israel continued to expand its operations. Hebrew media reported that Defense Minister Yisrael Katz had approved a plan to occupy Gaza City and evacuate its residents, which will be presented to the security cabinet on Thursday. The Israeli army also announced the mobilization of about 60,000 reservists and the extension of service for an additional 20,000 as part of preparations for a new phase of operations, code-named Gideon's Chariots. Hamas's military wing, the Al-Qassam Brigades, claimed responsibility for an attack on an Israeli military site southeast of Khan Younis. The group said it targeted tanks and buildings used by soldiers, ambushed Israeli forces at close range, killed a Merkava tank commander, and used mortars to cover its withdrawal. It added that one fighter carried out a suicide operation against an Israeli rescue unit, causing further casualties. Israel's Army Radio reported that more than 10 gunmen attempted to storm a military post during the incident, calling it "exceptional." The Israeli daily Maariv described the episode as a "dramatic failure" for both the Shin Bet and military intelligence, warning that Hamas retains significant guerrilla capabilities in Khan Younis and that combat in Gaza will remain highly complex. Gaza's Civil Defense warned of "grave humanitarian consequences" in areas retaken by Israeli forces, noting that its teams were unable to respond to most distress calls due to military restrictions on rescue operations. On the diplomatic front, the Palestinian Foreign Ministry condemned Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's criticism of French President Emmanuel Macron and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese following their recognition of a Palestinian state. It said linking recognition with antisemitism was a "tired excuse" used by Israel's far-right government to shield its occupation. Meanwhile, a Reuters/Ipsos poll showed that 58% of Americans believe all UN member states should recognize a Palestinian state, as international pressure mounts for a ceasefire in Gaza.
