DayofPal – Egypt, Qatar, and Turkey have jointly drafted a new ceasefire proposal aimed at ending the war in Gaza, securing the release of captives, and preventing Israel from reoccupying the Strip.
The initiative, to be presented to Hamas negotiators, comes amid mounting diplomatic activity in Cairo and growing alarm over Israel’s plans to seize full control of Gaza.
According to media reports, the proposal would see all Israeli captives, both living and deceased, released in exchange for Palestinian prisoners held in Israeli jails. In return, Israel would pull back its forces under Arab and American supervision during an interim phase. At the same time, both sides negotiate a deal to disarm Hamas and establish new governance for Gaza.
During this transitional period, Hamas would halt all military activities to allow for talks toward a permanent ceasefire. A temporary civil administration, operating under United Nations supervision, would oversee daily governance in the Gaza Strip. The plan also calls for freezing the weapons of Hamas’s military wing, with guarantees provided by Egyptian and Turkish mediators.
Former Deputy Director of Egyptian Military Intelligence Ahmed Ibrahim said the first phase of the agreement includes a temporary ceasefire and a partial prisoner exchange, followed by advanced negotiations on disarmament and gradual control of the Strip.
He indicated that there is initial agreement between the parties on these steps, which are designed to “strip any excuse for occupying Gaza from [Prime Minister] Benjamin Netanyahu.” If Hamas accepts the proposal, it will be sent to American mediators to pass on to Israel.
Hamas Political Bureau Chief Khalil al-Hayya is expected in Cairo to meet with Egyptian officials as part of the trilateral effort with Qatar and Turkey. Negotiations are described as highly critical, with mediators scrambling to avert Israel’s declared plan to reoccupy Gaza.
Last Friday, the Israeli cabinet approved a gradual strategy put forward by Netanyahu to occupy the entire Gaza Strip and displace Palestinians from north to south. Observers warn that such a move would effectively end any prospects for renewed negotiations. Arab and Western governments have condemned the reoccupation plan as a dangerous and unacceptable escalation and a clear violation of international law.
Since October 7, 2023, Israel, with U.S. backing, has waged a genocide in Gaza. The assault has killed at least 61,430 Palestinians, injured 153,213, and left thousands missing under the rubble. Hundreds of thousands have been displaced, and famine is spreading, with dozens of children among the more than 200 starvation deaths recorded so far.
Shortlink for this post: https://daysofpalestine.ps/?p=66547
