Hamas has proposed a four-and-a-half-month cease-fire in Gaza, which includes the release of all captives, Israel's withdrawal of troops from the Gaza Strip, and signing an agreement to end the conflict. This suggestion comes as a response to an offer made by mediators from Qatar and Egypt last week.
The proposal has brought relief and hope to the people of Gaza amid extensive diplomatic efforts to achieve a lasting cessation of hostilities. Israel has not yet publicly responded, maintaining its stance that it will not withdraw its troops from Gaza until Hamas is eliminated.
The proposed cease-fire plan, outlined in a draft document seen by Reuters, consists of three phases, each lasting 45 days. During the first phase, Israeli women hostages, males under 19, and elderly and sick individuals would be exchanged for Palestinian women and children held in Israeli jails. Israeli forces would also withdraw from populated areas during this phase. The second phase would commence after indirect talks between the parties, focusing on ending military operations and restoring complete calm. This phase would involve the release of remaining male hostages and the withdrawal of Israeli forces from all areas of the Gaza Strip. The third phase would include the exchange of bodies and remains, along with an increase in aid to Gaza's civilian population, who are facing severe shortages of necessities.
Israel launched its military offensive in Gaza following sudden attacks by Hamas militants. According to Gaza's Health Ministry, the campaign has resulted in the confirmed deaths of at least 27,585 Palestinians, with thousands more feared buried under rubble.
The proposal has brought relief and hope to the people of Gaza amid extensive diplomatic efforts to achieve a lasting cessation of hostilities. Israel has not yet publicly responded, maintaining its stance that it will not withdraw its troops from Gaza until Hamas is eliminated.
The proposed cease-fire plan, outlined in a draft document seen by Reuters, consists of three phases, each lasting 45 days. During the first phase, Israeli women hostages, males under 19, and elderly and sick individuals would be exchanged for Palestinian women and children held in Israeli jails. Israeli forces would also withdraw from populated areas during this phase. The second phase would commence after indirect talks between the parties, focusing on ending military operations and restoring complete calm. This phase would involve the release of remaining male hostages and the withdrawal of Israeli forces from all areas of the Gaza Strip. The third phase would include the exchange of bodies and remains, along with an increase in aid to Gaza's civilian population, who are facing severe shortages of necessities.
Israel launched its military offensive in Gaza following sudden attacks by Hamas militants. According to Gaza's Health Ministry, the campaign has resulted in the confirmed deaths of at least 27,585 Palestinians, with thousands more feared buried under rubble.
