A senior Palestinian official disclosed that negotiations have birthed a new proposal aimed at achieving peace in Gaza, featuring a truce lasting five to seven years alongside significant exchanges and territorial adjustments. The latest attempt follows the collapse of previous ceasefire agreements that were marred by violence and blame from both sides.
**New Ceasefire Proposal Emerges in Israel-Gaza Conflict Amid Ongoing Violence**
**New Ceasefire Proposal Emerges in Israel-Gaza Conflict Amid Ongoing Violence**
A new ceasefire plan initiated by Qatari and Egyptian mediators seeks to establish a long-term truce between Israel and Hamas.
New discussions led by mediators from Qatar and Egypt are on the table following a resurgence of hostilities in Gaza. A senior Palestinian official revealed to the BBC that a ceasefire formula includes a truce lasting between five to seven years, calling for the release of Israeli hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners currently held in Israeli facilities. The proposal also outlines a formal conclusion to hostilities and demands a full Israeli withdrawal from Gaza.
A senior delegation from Hamas is expected to arrive in Cairo for crucial discussions. The last ceasefire attempt fell apart just a month prior as Israel reignited its bombing campaign, with both Israel and Hamas accusing each other of thwarting the process. While Israel has remained silent on the new mediation proposal, it faces pressure to address the humanitarian crisis arising from the conflict.
The Hamas delegation will include prominent figures such as Mohammed Darwish and Khalil al-Hayya, who will represent the group in talks about potential governance frameworks in Gaza. This is significant as tensions heighten, particularly after Netanyahu reiterated Israel’s stance on not ending the war until Hamas is dismantled and all hostages are accounted for.
Hamas, however, has shown a willingness to shift governance in Gaza to an agreed Palestinian entity, which could include the West Bank-based Palestinian Authority or a newly created group, although Netanyahu has excluded any role for the PA in Gaza’s future governance.
Despite the challenges ahead, sources suggest that Hamas is compromising in these discussions, indicating a potential for progress in negotiations. The conflict has escalated significantly since October 7, with reports indicating catastrophic losses on both sides, where Israeli airstrikes have reportedly resulted in over 51,000 Palestinian deaths, primarily civilians.
In a separate development, the Palestinian Embassy in Cairo has ordered staff members to relocate to the Egyptian city of Arish with their families, impacting ongoing humanitarian efforts, including medical evacuations and aid facilitation from Gaza to Egypt.
A senior delegation from Hamas is expected to arrive in Cairo for crucial discussions. The last ceasefire attempt fell apart just a month prior as Israel reignited its bombing campaign, with both Israel and Hamas accusing each other of thwarting the process. While Israel has remained silent on the new mediation proposal, it faces pressure to address the humanitarian crisis arising from the conflict.
The Hamas delegation will include prominent figures such as Mohammed Darwish and Khalil al-Hayya, who will represent the group in talks about potential governance frameworks in Gaza. This is significant as tensions heighten, particularly after Netanyahu reiterated Israel’s stance on not ending the war until Hamas is dismantled and all hostages are accounted for.
Hamas, however, has shown a willingness to shift governance in Gaza to an agreed Palestinian entity, which could include the West Bank-based Palestinian Authority or a newly created group, although Netanyahu has excluded any role for the PA in Gaza’s future governance.
Despite the challenges ahead, sources suggest that Hamas is compromising in these discussions, indicating a potential for progress in negotiations. The conflict has escalated significantly since October 7, with reports indicating catastrophic losses on both sides, where Israeli airstrikes have reportedly resulted in over 51,000 Palestinian deaths, primarily civilians.
In a separate development, the Palestinian Embassy in Cairo has ordered staff members to relocate to the Egyptian city of Arish with their families, impacting ongoing humanitarian efforts, including medical evacuations and aid facilitation from Gaza to Egypt.
