Hamas has offered a ceasefire plan aimed at quelling the violence in Gaza for a duration of four and a half months. This proposal includes the release of all hostages, withdrawal of Israeli troops from the Gaza Strip, and negotiation for a permanent end to the conflict.
 The offer comes in response to a mediation effort by Qatar and Egypt, which received approval from Israel and the United States. This diplomatic initiative represents a significant attempt to halt the ongoing hostilities.
Hamas suggests that Egypt, Qatar, Turkey, Russia, and the United Nations serve as guarantors of the agreement, omitting the United States from the list. The counter proposal has been received positively by parties involved in the negotiations, with Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, the Prime Minister of Qatar, describing Hamas’ response as “positive.”
Consists of three phasesÂ
The first phase of the ceasefire plan entails releasing hostages in Gaza, particularly women, children under 19 not affiliated with the Israeli military, the elderly, and the sick. In return, Hamas seeks the release of Palestinian female, juvenile, sick, and elderly prisoners, along with 500 inmates designated by Hamas, including those serving life sentences or convicted of serious offences.
 Additionally, the plan involves ramping up humanitarian aid, relocating Israeli forces away from populated areas, temporarily halting military operations and aerial surveillance, commencing reconstruction efforts, and facilitating UN humanitarian assistance and shelter establishment.
Moreover, the initial phase aims to enable displaced Palestinians to return home across the Gaza Strip and ensure unimpeded freedom of movement. Talks on the conditions for a comprehensive ceasefire and negotiations for subsequent phases are also part of this phase.
The subsequent phase proposed by Hamas focuses on finalising negotiations for a mutual cessation of hostilities. This stage involves the release of all male hostages in Gaza, both civilians and military personnel, in exchange for a specified number of Palestinian prisoners. Furthermore, Israeli forces would be required to fully withdraw from the enclave during this phase.
More to read:Cargo Through Suez Canal Plummets by 45%
The third phase aims to facilitate the exchange of bodies and remains of individuals killed on both sides. It calls for the reopening of all Gaza Strip crossings to resume trade and facilitate unrestricted movement. Israel is expected to commit to meeting Gaza’s electricity and water needs.