Hamas proposes 135-day ceasefire to swap detainees, rebuild hospitals

CAIRO – 7 February 2024: Hamas has responded to the Paris meeting framework that included top negotiators from Egypt, Qatar, the United States, and Israel by proposing a three-phase ceasefire plan.

If fully approved, the draft document issued by the Palestinian group will last for 4 and a half months and ensure the release of Israeli captives in exchange for a large number of Palestinian detainees, according to Al Qahera News.

During the first phase of the ceasefire, Hamas proposes indirect negotiations with Israel to completely end military operations and restore full calm in Gaza.

First Phase: Releases & Reconstruction

In its draft document, Hamas proposes that the first phase of the ceasefire includes the reconstruction of hospitals and refugee camps in Gaza, as well as the withdrawal of Israeli ground forces from residential areas.

This 45-day phase should also involve the release of some non-military Israeli captives in exchange for Palestinian prisoners, along with the delivery of aid.

 

 

 

 

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Second Phase: Full Releases

Hamas suggests that the second phase entails the release of all Israeli captives in exchange for a specified number of Palestinians, as well as the complete withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza.

Third Phase: Remains Exchange

According to the Hamas proposal, this final 45-day phase will involve the exchange of remains and bodies.

Hamas’s response comes amid intensified efforts by Egypt, Qatar and the United States to reach a ceasefire deal that would end the Israeli aggression, extending since October 7.

The Israeli aggression over the past 123 days in Gaza has killed 27,585 people and injured 66,978 others, according to the Palestinian Ministry of Health in Gaza.

The Israeli attacks also displaced more than two thirds of the population and put most of the hospitals there out of service.

Intensified efforts

Egypt’s President Abdel Fatah al-Sisi received on Tuesday US Secretary of State Antony Blinken to discuss brokering a ceasefire in Gaza Strip that will allow detainee exchange and more supply of humanitarian aid to the enclave.

“I met with Egyptian President El-Sisi in Cairo to discuss our efforts to increase life-saving aid into Gaza and secure the release of all hostages. We also discussed shared regional stability objectives, including halting threats to Red Sea security by the Houthis,” Blinken stated.

Together with our partners in Qatar and Egypt we've put forth a serious proposal aimed at not just repeating, but expanding the previous pause in fighting to achieve the release of the remaining hostages and surge humanitarian relief to Gaza. pic.twitter.com/rp11i57XOj

— Secretary Antony Blinken (@SecBlinken) February 6, 2024

Egypt affirmed on Tuesday that it has received a response from Hamas to the proposed ceasefire and prisoners swap deal, and that details are being discussed by all parties.

Head of the State Information Service (SIS) Diaa Rashwan explained that the proposed deal is a “complex proposal that ultimately leads to a complete ceasefire, not during one stage, but rather three stages.”

He added that the deal will end with a ceasefire and include the exchange of prisoners between the Palestinian and Israeli sides.

Rashwan described Hamas response so far as “positive.”

He affirmed that Egypt is continuing its role in this regard and is communicating with all concerned parties, especially Israel and Hamas, to resolve any obstacles that might hinder the deal.