Sources disclose Israeli response to ceasefire deal: Exclusive
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The Israeli response reportedly involves a three-stage plan with requests for multiple concessions for the entry of aid and a prisoner exchange agreement.
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Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry, right, meets his French counterpart Stephane Sejourne at the foreign ministry headquarters in Egypt's New Administrative Capital, Sunday, Feb. 4, 2024 (AP Photo/Amr Nabil)
Palestinian sources disclosed to Al Mayadeen on Wednesday "Israel's" response to the Resistance's ceasefire proposal, which involves a three-stage plan with requests for several concessions but does not include the complete withdrawal of Israeli troops.
The first stage, according to the sources, will comprise a 35-day-long ceasefire and will have the possibility of being extended for an additional seven days.
The second stage could last 30 days, the sources added, noting that the third stage does not have a specified timeframe.
Concerning the clause on troop withdrawal, the sources stated that "Israel" requested substituting the word "populated" with "heavily populated" to indicate that the troops would remain stationed in uninhabited areas.
Read more: Israeli plans to make Gaza 'buffer zone' war crime: UN
They further said that "Israel" rectified a clause about rehabilitating hospitals but not rebuilding them.
Moreover, they agreed to suspend flights over Gaza for only six hours each day.
Humanitarian aid clauses
Regarding the entry of aid, "Israel" agreed to allow 500 aid trucks into Gaza daily.
They also agreed to allow the entry of mobile homes and tents in coordination with the Israeli Occupation Forces (IOF).
Rebuilding operations for civilian infrastructure and war-damaged housing will also be "coordinated with Israeli authorities." This implies that the regime will be fully in control of construction and repair operations.
Read more: 'Israel' continues to deny aid into Gaza for a week
They have also agreed to allow a daily maximum of 50 injured individuals, aged 50 and above, to travel outside the Strip to attend to their health needs.
Prisoner swap deal
Regarding the prisoner exchange agreement, during the initial phase of the ceasefire, "Israel" has proposed releasing three Palestinian prisoners for each Israeli captive.
The response clarified that the regime would release female Palestinian prisoners as well as individuals serving lengthy prison sentences.
In the second stage of the agreement, negotiations will focus on determining the precise number of prisoners to be exchanged, alongside discussions regarding displaced Palestinians' right to return.
Read more: 'Israel' wants prisoner swap without 'paying price': Resistance source
The response clarified that during the second stage of the ceasefire, "Israel" will not withdraw its troops from the region.
"Israel" also agreed to the implementation of a third stage of a ceasefire, as mentioned in the Paris Document.
On a final note, the response highlighted that the Israeli regime has designated Qatar, Egypt, and the US as the guarantor parties for the ceasefire agreement.
