Hamas okays Egyptian ceasefire proposal

agrees to release five hostages, but Israel files counter-proposal

Palestinian militant group Hamas has reportedly agreed to a new Egyptian proposal to release five hostages, including the American-Israeli Edan Alexander, in exchange for a renewed ceasefire.

According to a CNN report, the Egyptian proposal is similar to the one presented by US special envoy Steve Witkoff weeks ago.

Egyptian officials also confirmed this development to the Qatari New Arab news outlet.

The officials said the US and Qatar are also involved in the proposal.

“The ball is now in the Israeli government and Americans’ court,” the officials were quoted as saying.

Hamas is in support of resuming the ceasefire over the Eid al-Fitr holiday at the end of Ramadan.

Online media reports have suggested that the proposal by Egypt aims to douse tensions in the ongoing conflict.

Thus, this development aims to bring an end to the conflict between Hamas and Israel.

The details of the proposal and the timeline for the ceasefire would depend on further discussions and agreements between the parties involved.

Egypt hs long played a key role in mediating between Hamas and Israel, and their proposal likely outlines terms for a cessation of hostilities.

Details of the proposal might include:

• a halt to rocket attacks and military operations
• the opening of border crossings for humanitarian aid and goods
• the easing of restrictions on the Gaza strip
• the possibility of prisoner releases or exchanges

The agreement could mark a significant step towards reducing tensions and promoting stability in the region.

However, its success depends on the commitment of all parties involved to uphold the ceasefire.

By accepting the Egyptian ceasefire proposal involves several key components.

INITIAL TERMS OF THE CEASEFIRE

These include:

• a six-week ceasefire, the release of all Israelis being held hostage in Gaza in exchange for hundreds of Palestinians being held by Israel,
• an end to the war
• Israel’s withdrawal from the Gaza Strip, and a reconstruction process lasting from three to five years.

HOSTAGE EXCHANGE

This is a critical part of the agreement, with Hamas releasing Israeli hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners.

The exchange occurres in multiple rounds, with the first round involving the release of 33 hostages by Hamas in exchange for Israel releasing 30-50 Palestinians.

HUMANITARIAN AID

This is also crucial aspect of the agreement. Israel agreed to allow “sufficient” quantities of humanitarian aid into Gaza.

It also agreed to permit displaced Palestinians to return to their homes, and begin a phased withdrawal from Gaza.

LONG-TERM GOALS

These include negotiations for a more permanent halt of hostilities and the possibility of a Palestinian government administering Gaza and the occupied West Bank.

This decision marks a significant diplomatic development, as Hamas had previously rejected a similar proposal made by U.S.

The proposal was made by U.S envoy Steve Witkoff during negotiations in Doha.

The Egyptian proposal also potentially includes the release of dead Israeli detainees according to Axios.

This agreement comes after a meeting in Doha attended by representatives from Hamas, Egypt, and Qatar.

At the meeting Hamas was asked to choose between the Egyptian proposal and another proposal mediated by Qatar and the U.S.

It is expected that Israel will present a counteroffer to Hamas’ agreed-upon position.

Reports say the issue will be discussed at a meeting of the security cabinet.

While an Israeli officil noted that an agreement is unlikely before Eid al-Fitr, there’s a possibility of reaching one before the Jewish Passover.

ON ISRAEL’S PART

The details of their counter offer to the Egyptian ceasefire proposal have not been publicly disclosed.

The move comes after Hamas agreed to an Egyptian proposal that involved releasing five living Israeli hostages in exchange for a 50-day ceasefire starting over Eid al-Fitr.

In a related development, the Israel Defence Force (IDF) have begun conducting ground operations in the al-Janina area of Rafah.

This is aimed at expanding the security zone in southern Gaza.

The IDF also dismantled Hamas terrorist infrastructure and continued aerial strikes throughout the Gaza Strip.

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