Hamas has put forth a comprehensive three-stage ceasefire proposal to Israel, aiming to establish a 135-day period of peace in the Gaza Strip. This initiative emerges as a response to mediatory efforts led by Qatar and Egypt, supported by the United States and Israel, seeking an end to the prolonged and devastating conflict that has significantly impacted the region.
The proposed ceasefire encompasses a meticulous plan structured in three 45-day phases, each delineating specific actions and exchanges to facilitate a gradual de-escalation of hostilities. The initial phase focuses on the release of all Israeli female captives, males under the age of 19, the elderly, and the sick held by Hamas since the October 7 attacks. Concurrently, Hamas demands the release of 1,500 Palestinian prisoners from Israeli custody, highlighting a particular interest in the liberation of women, children, and the elderly.
An essential element of the proposal is the stipulation for the ingress of humanitarian aid and fuel trucks into Gaza, aiming to alleviate the dire conditions faced by the civilian population. The plan outlines the provision of temporary housing and the facilitation of medical care for Palestinians, alongside the commencement of discussions regarding a comprehensive truce.
The second phase involves the release of the remaining male Israeli captives and the complete withdrawal of Israeli troops from Gaza, setting the stage for substantial humanitarian relief efforts and infrastructure reconstruction within the region. The final phase envisions the exchange of the remains of the deceased, further cementing the groundwork for enduring peace.
Hamas’s proposal also incorporates demands for the cessation of Israeli settler incursions into the Al-Aqsa Mosque and calls for the restoration of conditions to their pre-2002 state, referencing the heightened tensions during the second Intifada. Moreover, Hamas seeks international guarantees, particularly from Qatar, Egypt, the United States, Turkey, and Russia, to ensure the faithful implementation of the ceasefire terms.
Israeli authorities, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, have yet to formally respond to the Hamas proposal, with ongoing evaluations of its feasibility and acceptability. Meanwhile, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken has engaged in discussions with regional leaders, reflecting a concerted international effort to broker a ceasefire that could pave the way for a lasting resolution to the conflict.
The unfolding situation remains fluid, with global attention fixated on the potential for this ceasefire proposal to mark a turning point in the Gaza conflict. The international community awaits further developments, hoping for a breakthrough that could lead to the cessation of hostilities and a pathway to peace in the region.
