Hamas responds to Israel ceasefire proposal in Gaza
In a recent development, CNN has obtained a copy of Hamas’s response to Israel’s proposal for a ceasefire and the delivery of humanitarian aid in exchange for the release of hostages held in Gaza. The response was confirmed by Muhammad Nazzal, a senior official with the extremist group.
According to the breakdown provided by Hamas, the proposed ceasefire would involve several phases. The first phase would include the release of Israeli hostages, including women and children, in exchange for a specified number of Palestinian prisoners. It would also involve an intensification of humanitarian aid, the relocation of forces out of populated areas, and the beginning of reconstruction work in hospitals, houses, and facilities in all areas of Gaza.
The second phase would focus on the completion of indirect talks for the continuation of the mutual cessation of military operations and the return to a state of complete calm. This phase would also aim to release all male hostages held in Gaza in exchange for a specified number of Palestinian prisoners.
Not surprisingly, Israel has repeatedly stated that it will not withdraw its troops from Gaza until there is complete victory over Hamas and other extremist groups in the territory.
The third phase proposed by Hamas would focus on the exchange of bodies and remains of the deceased from both sides, as well as the arrival of humanitarian aid and reconstruction efforts. Finally, Hamas has proposed Egypt, Qatar, Turkey, Russia, and the United Nations as guarantors of the agreement, excluding the United States from the list.
It remains to be seen how Israel will respond to these proposals and if any progress towards a ceasefire and the release of hostages can be achieved.