A senior official reveals a new ceasefire proposal from Qatari and Egyptian mediators aimed at ending the ongoing violence in Gaza.
New Ceasefire Initiative in Gaza Stirs Hope Amid Ongoing Conflict
New Ceasefire Initiative in Gaza Stirs Hope Amid Ongoing Conflict
Possible resolution seeks prolonged truce and equitable terms for both sides
A senior Palestinian official has disclosed that mediators from Qatar and Egypt have introduced a new ceasefire plan to resolve the ongoing conflict in Gaza. According to the official, the initiative proposes a truce lasting between five to seven years, involving the exchange of Israeli hostages for Palestinian prisoners, a formal conclusion to hostilities, and a complete withdrawal of Israeli forces from the region. The Hamas leadership is expected to participate in discussions in Cairo, with its political council head, Mohammed Darwish, and chief negotiator, Khalil al-Hayya, representing the group.
The recent ceasefire collapsed last month when Israel resumed its bombing campaign on Gaza, with accusations flying from both sides regarding the failure of the ceasefire. While Israel has remained silent on the new proposal, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has firmly stated he will not consider ceasing military operations until Hamas is dismantled and all hostages are returned. Conversely, Hamas requires a commitment from Israel to end hostilities prior to hostages' release.
The Palestinian official indicated that Hamas has expressed a willingness to transfer governance of Gaza to a Palestinian entity approved on both national and regional levels, potentially involving the West Bank-based Palestinian Authority (PA) or a new administrative group. However, Netanyahu has dismissed any potential role for the PA in governing Gaza, which has been under Hamas control since 2007.
While the mediators' plans are still in the early stages, the source emphasizes that the discussions show promise and that Hamas has demonstrated an unprecedented degree of flexibility in its negotiations. The conflict erupted on October 7, 2023, resulting in significant casualties on both sides, including approximately 1,200 Israelis killed and 51,240 Palestinians deceased, primarily civilians, according to health officials in Gaza. In a related move, the Palestinian Embassy in Cairo has instructed its employees to relocate with their families to the Egyptian city of Arish, as they continue coordinating medical evacuations and humanitarian aid efforts.
The recent ceasefire collapsed last month when Israel resumed its bombing campaign on Gaza, with accusations flying from both sides regarding the failure of the ceasefire. While Israel has remained silent on the new proposal, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has firmly stated he will not consider ceasing military operations until Hamas is dismantled and all hostages are returned. Conversely, Hamas requires a commitment from Israel to end hostilities prior to hostages' release.
The Palestinian official indicated that Hamas has expressed a willingness to transfer governance of Gaza to a Palestinian entity approved on both national and regional levels, potentially involving the West Bank-based Palestinian Authority (PA) or a new administrative group. However, Netanyahu has dismissed any potential role for the PA in governing Gaza, which has been under Hamas control since 2007.
While the mediators' plans are still in the early stages, the source emphasizes that the discussions show promise and that Hamas has demonstrated an unprecedented degree of flexibility in its negotiations. The conflict erupted on October 7, 2023, resulting in significant casualties on both sides, including approximately 1,200 Israelis killed and 51,240 Palestinians deceased, primarily civilians, according to health officials in Gaza. In a related move, the Palestinian Embassy in Cairo has instructed its employees to relocate with their families to the Egyptian city of Arish, as they continue coordinating medical evacuations and humanitarian aid efforts.
