Gaza city: The Palestinian resistance group Hamas has yet to finalize its decision on a Qatar-Egyptian proposal concerning a Gaza ceasefire and prisoner swap deal, as reported by Palestinian sources on Thursday. Hamas is currently engaged in consultations with various Palestinian factions before delivering its formal response to the mediators.
According to Anadolu Agency, the proposal comes with "broad guarantees" from the US, Egypt, and Qatar to aid in reaching an agreement, although specific details of these guarantees remain undisclosed. There is also potential for Trkiye to be included among the guarantor countries of the deal.
The discussions are ongoing, focusing on numerous technical aspects such as the mechanisms for humanitarian aid entry, maps detailing Israeli troop withdrawal, and plans for the period following the proposed 60-day ceasefire. The sources indicate that talks also involve contingency plans in case the 60-day timeframe is inadequate for a final comprehensive agreement.
Hamas is anticipated to provide its official response to the proposal within the next two days. The Palestinian group has acknowledged its review of proposals from mediators aimed at ceasing the conflict, ensuring Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, and facilitating urgent humanitarian relief.
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar has expressed optimism, citing "positive signs" that a deal could end the fighting and secure a prisoner exchange. Hamas has consistently affirmed its willingness to release all Israeli hostages in exchange for an end to Israel's military campaign and a complete withdrawal from Gaza.
However, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has resisted a comprehensive deal, advocating instead for limited arrangements that would allow the conflict to persist, a stance perceived as an effort to maintain his political standing.
Despite international appeals for a ceasefire, the Israeli army continues its military campaign in Gaza, resulting in over 57,100 Palestinian deaths, predominantly women and children, since October 2023. In recent developments, the International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants for Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant for war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza. Additionally, Israel is facing a genocide case at the International Court of Justice concerning its actions in the enclave.