Hamas, the militant group governing the Gaza Strip, has put forward a new proposal aimed at quelling the ongoing conflict with Israel.
The proposal, conveyed by a Hamas official to AFP on Friday, outlines a six-week ceasefire coupled with an exchange of hostages between the two parties.
Despite weeks of mediation efforts, previous attempts have failed to produce tangible results in resolving the escalating tensions between Israel and Gaza.
The proposed agreement, as detailed by the Hamas official, seeks to establish a temporary ceasefire lasting six weeks.
Central to the proposal is the reciprocal exchange of hostages. Hamas indicates its desire for this agreement to serve as a precursor to a complete withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza and the establishment of a permanent ceasefire, a pivotal step towards lasting peace in the region.
Key elements of the proposed truce include the release of approximately 42 hostages held by Gaza militants since the October 7 attack that initiated the recent conflict.
Notably, Hamas suggests a significant shift in the exchange ratio, with the release of Palestinian prisoners held in Israeli jails ranging between 20 and 50 per hostage, a departure from previous proposals.
Furthermore, Hamas insists on the complete withdrawal of Israeli forces from all cities and populated areas in the Gaza Strip during the six-week ceasefire.
This provision aims to facilitate the return of displaced Gazans without restrictions, alleviating the humanitarian crisis exacerbated by the conflict.
In addition to the ceasefire and hostage exchange, Hamas calls for an escalation in the flow of humanitarian aid to Gaza. The proposed ceasefire terms envision a comprehensive resolution, mandating Israel’s full military withdrawal from the Gaza Strip.
Egypt, Qatar, and the United States are identified as key stakeholders in ensuring the implementation of the agreement.
The conflict, sparked by Hamas’s October 7 attack, has inflicted significant casualties on both sides. According to reports, the attack resulted in the deaths of approximately 1,160 people in Israel, predominantly civilians.
In response, Israel’s retaliatory military campaign reportedly claimed the lives of at least 31,490 individuals in Gaza, with the majority being women and children, according to the health ministry in the Hamas-run territory.
As Hamas presents its latest proposal for a truce with Israel, the international community watches closely, hoping for a breakthrough in the protracted conflict and a pathway towards lasting peace in the region.
This article was created using automation technology and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members