Palestinian official reveals Gaza ceasefire outline: Exclusive
3 Min Read
The potential ceasefire involves two phases consisting of several clauses, ending with a declaration of an official ceasefire in Gaza.
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A doll lies among debris in the aftermath of an Israeli airstrike at the Muwassi camp near Khan Younis in the southern Gaza Strip, on Thursday, December 5, 2024. (AP)
Meetings in Doha, Qatar, including the United States, "Israel", and Egyptian and Qatari mediators, focus on resolving the deadlock impeding negotiations for a possible ceasefire in Gaza, a Palestinian senior official informed Al Mayadeen on Wednesday.
According to the official, significant progress has been witnessed in the negotiations. He added that the Israeli occupation had concentrated its demands on the return of 34 captives still in Gaza while expressing its willingness to withdraw from densely populated areas across the strip.
What does the current ceasefire proposal look like?
In this context, the potential ceasefire currently being discussed would be implemented in two phases.
The first phase involves a 42-day truce and a prisoner-exchange deal that would see the release of Israeli women, children, the elderly, and female soldiers, for the liberation of a substantial number of Palestinian prisoners, particularly those with long sentences and life sentences.
It further involves the flow of humanitarian aid, machinery, and equipment for relief efforts, the reconstruction of hospitals and certain public facilities, as well as the reopening of the Rafah Crossing. However, the official noted that, as of now, the issue of oversight of the crossing remains unresolved.
The withdrawal of Israeli occupation forces to the eastern border of the Gaza Strip as a primary step would also be initiated during the first phase.
The second phase involves a full withdrawal from the Gaza Strip, an official declaration of a ceasefire, and the exchange of Israeli male soldiers for Palestinian prisoners.
Hamas says ceasefire possible if 'Israel' stops adding clauses
Hamas has affirmed the potential to reach a ceasefire in Gaza and a prisoner exchange agreement, provided that the Israeli occupation refrains from imposing new conditions that could hurdle the agreement.
"Amid the serious and positive discussions taking place in Doha today under the auspices of our Qatari and Egyptian brothers, reaching a ceasefire and prisoner exchange agreement is possible if the occupation stops introducing new conditions," the movement said on Tuesday.
Meanwhile, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas headed directly to Egypt from the Vatican following an urgent invitation, according to Al Mayadeen's bureau chief in occupied Palestine.
Additionally, informed sources told Reuters that "a ceasefire agreement in Gaza is expected to be finalized in the coming days." The sources added that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is "on his way to Cairo for talks regarding a Gaza ceasefire." However, Netanyahu's spokesperson denied these claims, stating, "Contrary to the wave of rumors, Netanyahu is not in Cairo."
