Talks between Israel and Hamas, the pro-Palestinian armed group in the besieged Gaza Strip, are underway to secure a hostage and prisoner exchange. Indirect talks between the two sides are being conducted by three mediators – the United States, Egypt and Qatar – with a view to implementing a long-term agreement in three phases.
The draft proposal basically calls for the implementation of the ceasefire in three phases. It not only called for the exchange of hostages and prisoners, but also emphasized the creation of a peaceful environment in the region, including Gaza.
The first phase of the cease-fire would see Israeli forces withdraw to the eastern part of Gaza and move to the border occupied by Israel in 1948. During this period, Israeli military or civilian aircraft will not fly over Gaza for at least 8 hours a day. No Israeli warplanes will fly at least 10 hours before the day of the prisoner-hostage exchange.
On Day 7 of the first phase, Israeli forces will move further east from Al-Rashid Street. At this time, humanitarian aid should be launched in Gaza and civilian Gazans should be allowed to return to their homes.
One-third of Israelis held hostage by Hamas will be released within 22 days of the first phase of the ceasefire, during which Israeli forces will withdraw from central Gaza to the Gaza-Israel border. During this time displaced Gazans will continue to return to their homes.
In the first phase of the ceasefire, Hamas will release the 33 Israeli hostages it holds alive. 20 captured Palestinian women or children will be released in exchange for one Israeli hostage. And Israel must guarantee that these freed Palestinians will never be arrested again. However, Israel will be obliged to release 40 Palestinians for every Israeli female soldier held hostage by Hamas.
Hamas will release 3 hostages on the first day of the ceasefire and 3 Israeli hostages will be released every three days thereafter.
In addition, on the 14th day of the ceasefire, wounded Hamas fighters and other armed members must be allowed to cross Rafah to Egypt. This system is for their better treatment. On the 16th day of the first phase, Hamas and Israel will start indirect talks to keep the region calm. At each stage of the first phase, the United Nations and its organs, including international organizations, will ensure a large amount of relief aid to the Gaza Strip.
According to the proposed draft, the first phase of the ceasefire would begin operations to rebuild Gaza’s destroyed infrastructure. For this, a coordination committee will be formed and the Palestinian Civil Defense Force will be provided with the necessary heavy equipment. Apart from this, the draft agreement also mentions the construction of temporary housing for those who are displaced in their own land.
The duration of the second phase of ceasefire will be 42 days. Meanwhile, both sides will reach a consensus to ensure a permanent status quo. In addition, this phase will ensure all necessary arrangements for the reconstruction of the devastated Gaza, including its implementation.
The duration of the third phase will also be 42 days. During this time, the dead bodies of Hamas fighters or Israeli soldiers in the hands of both sides will be exchanged. A 5-year plan to rebuild Gaza will be launched. Meanwhile, the Palestinian Hamas and other armed groups will refrain from building any military infrastructure in Gaza, the draft resolution said.
During the third phase, Palestinian armed organizations or parties will not be able to import any equipment, raw materials or other materials for use in the war. According to the documents obtained by Al-Maydeen, the guarantors of this agreement are – Qatar, Egypt and the United States.
