Qatari-backed Gaza ceasefire proposal: What does it include?

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Israeli media
3 Jul 2025 12:45
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A new Qatari ceasefire proposal outlines a two-month ceasefire in Gaza, prisoner-captive exchanges between Hamas and “Israel”, phased Israeli withdrawal, and Trump-backed negotiations for a permanent agreement.

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Abdel Hadi Bashir mourns the loss of his two daughters, Sabah and Mira, who were killed in an Israeli airstrike at the Al-Aqsa Hospital in Deir al-Balah on July 2, 2025. (AP)

Baruch Yadid and Amichai Stein, analysts at the Israeli outlet i24NEWS, have revealed the terms of a proposed ceasefire agreement brokered by Qatar, aimed at stopping the Israeli war on Gaza.

According to the report, the proposal is essentially a modified version of the earlier Witkoff Plan. "Israel", the United States, and intermediary nations are now awaiting Hamas' response after "Israel" reportedly conditionally agreed to the outline.

This approval reportedly followed a meeting between Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer and Trump’s envoy Steve Witkoff.

Multiple sources confirmed that "Israel" has agreed, with certain conditions, to resume negotiations on ending the war even after the 60-day ceasefire period. A source further stated that the Trump administration made it clear the ceasefire would be extended beyond 60 days if talks were deemed serious.

During this time, the US President would commit to ensuring the continuity of the ceasefire. However, the report notes that "Israel" has not pledged to end the war, but rather to engage in dialogue aimed at ending it. Regarding the scope of Israeli withdrawal during the ceasefire, two sources indicated that negotiations are still ongoing over the scale of the withdrawal and the future deployment of Israeli forces.

The plan includes the release of 10 captives held by Hamas, eight on the first day and two on the 50th day, as well as the return of 18 bodies. In return, a two-month ceasefire would be implemented, during which negotiations would be held to reach a permanent end to the war, with each side presenting its demands.

Captive exchange, withdrawal schedule

The release schedule for captives and bodies is as follows:

Day 1: Release of 8 live captives
Day 7: Return of 5 bodies
Day 30: Return of 5 additional bodies
Day 50: Release of 2 live captives
Day 60: Return of 8 additional bodies

Humanitarian aid will flow immediately upon Hamas' acceptance of the proposal, in line with the January 9 agreement, with sufficient quantities and oversight from the UN and the Red Crescent.

On day one, following the release of the eight captives, "Israel" is expected to begin withdrawal from northern Gaza according to pre-agreed maps. By day 7, after the return of five bodies, withdrawal from southern Gaza is to commence. Additionally, technical teams will work on delineating withdrawal boundaries in swift follow-up negotiations.

Long-term negotiations

Phase five of the agreement initiates negotiations for a permanent ceasefire, beginning on day one of the truce. On Day two, arrangements will be launched across four key areas:

Criteria for exchanging remaining prisoners
Declaration of a permanent ceasefire
Long-term security arrangements in Gaza
Commitment to international guarantees

The United States, under the Trump administration, has pledged to guarantee the ceasefire for the full two months and potentially beyond, should serious negotiations continue. There will be no official ceremonies or public displays during prisoner exchanges.

Information sharing on prisoners, captives

On day 10, Hamas will provide full information (proof of life, medical records, or confirmation of death) for all remaining captives. In return, "Israel" will share comprehensive data on Palestinian prisoners detained since October 7, 2023.

Mediators, including Qatar, Egypt, and the United States, will be responsible for ensuring the negotiations progress sincerely. Should the talks require more time, the ceasefire may be extended according to agreed-upon protocols.

If a final agreement is achieved, the remaining captives will be released.

US President Donald Trump is expected to announce the agreement, with the United States reaffirming its commitment to fostering good-faith negotiations. Also, Special Envoy Steve Witkoff is expected to lead the dialogue aimed at bringing the war to a conclusion.

Hamas says mediation efforts ongoing

On another note, the Palestinian resistance movement Hamas confirmed on Wednesday that mediators are exerting intense efforts to bridge gaps between negotiating parties and lay the groundwork for a potential framework agreement to end the ongoing war on Gaza.

In an official statement, Hamas said it was approaching the current phase of talks with a high sense of responsibility, holding national consultations to evaluate the proposals received from mediators.

The movement emphasized that its primary objective in these discussions is to achieve a deal that guarantees a complete end to Israeli aggression, ensures the withdrawal of the occupation forces, and enables the urgent delivery of humanitarian aid to the Palestinian people in the Gaza Strip.