Hamas and Palestinian Resistance Factions Approve Egypt-Qatar Ceasefire Proposal
Agreement outlines Israeli pullback, major prisoner exchange, humanitarian aid, and reopening of Rafah crossing
GAZA/CAIRO, PUREWILAYAH.COM - Hamas and several allied Palestinian factions have agreed to a ceasefire proposal mediated by Egypt and Qatar, marking the most significant step yet toward halting the war in Gaza. The movement confirmed its decision in a statement sent to mediators, while Egyptian officials described the plan as a potential gateway to a broader peace arrangement.
Withdrawal and Security Measures
Under the proposal, Israeli forces would withdraw approximately one kilometre from areas in northern and eastern Gaza. The redeployment would exclude the towns of al-Shujaiyya and Beit Lahia, though revised operational maps are to be introduced for those locations. The truce would last for 60 days, pausing hostilities to allow humanitarian relief and prisoner exchanges.
Prisoner and Hostage Exchange
A central component of the agreement is a wide-scale prisoner exchange.
Hamas would release 10 living Israeli captives.
In return, Israel would free 140 Palestinians serving life sentences, 60 detainees with terms of more than 15 years, and 1,500 prisoners from Gaza.
For every set of remains of Israeli captives returned, Israel would release 10 Palestinian bodies.
The plan also requires the unconditional release of all Palestinian women and minors in Israeli custody.
Humanitarian Provisions
The deal calls for an immediate surge of aid into Gaza, following the framework established in January. Supplies would include fuel, water, electricity, hospital and bakery rehabilitation, and heavy machinery to clear rubble. The United Nations, the Red Crescent, and international NGOs would oversee distribution to ensure aid reaches civilians.
The Rafah border crossing with Egypt would reopen for two-way movement, easing restrictions on both people and goods.
Pathway to a Broader Settlement
An Egyptian official told Al Mayadeen that the agreement aims to lay the foundation for a comprehensive settlement to the conflict. Israeli media, meanwhile, reported that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office had acknowledged receiving Hamas’s acceptance through mediators.
The broader framework — first tabled by the United States — envisions a three-phase process: an initial truce and prisoner exchange, followed by negotiations toward a permanent ceasefire, and ultimately, internationally supported governance and reconstruction in Gaza. (PW)
Source: Al Mayadeen