Hamas, the Palestinian militant group, has responded to Israel’s ceasefire proposal and hostage release plan in Gaza. CNN has obtained a copy of the Hamas response, which outlines the details of each phase of the proposed agreement. Muhammad Nazzal, a senior Hamas official, has confirmed the authenticity of the document.
Phase one of the proposal focuses on the release of Israeli hostages, specifically women and children under the age of 19, as well as the elderly and the sick. In exchange for their release, Hamas requests a specific number of Palestinian prisoners to be freed. Additionally, this phase includes intensifying humanitarian aid efforts, relocating forces away from populated areas, and allowing for the start of reconstruction works in hospitals, houses, and facilities throughout Gaza. The United Nations and its agencies would also be permitted to provide humanitarian services and establish housing camps for the population.
Furthermore, phase one calls for a temporary cessation of military operations and aerial reconnaissance. Israeli forces would be required to withdraw from populated areas in Gaza and move parallel to the separation line. This would facilitate the exchange of detainees between the two parties.
Phase two aims to continue negotiations on the necessary requirements for a sustained mutual cessation of military operations and a return to complete calm. In this phase, Hamas seeks the release of all male hostages held in Gaza, including civilians and enlisted personnel. Similar to phase one, humanitarian measures would continue, and Israeli forces would withdraw from all areas of Gaza. The comprehensive reconstruction of houses, facilities, and infrastructure destroyed during the conflict would also be prioritized.
It is important to note that Israel has consistently stated that it will not withdraw its troops from Gaza until it achieves a complete victory over Hamas and other militant groups in the territory.
Phase three focuses on the exchange of bodies and remains of deceased individuals on both sides. This phase would coincide with ongoing humanitarian aid efforts and reconstruction projects.
Hamas proposes that Egypt, Qatar, Turkey, Russia, and the United Nations serve as the guarantors of the agreement. Notably, the United States is not included among the proposed guarantors.
The response from Hamas provides a detailed plan for a potential ceasefire and hostage release in Gaza. While it remains to be seen how Israel will respond to this proposal, the document highlights the specific steps and conditions that Hamas believes are necessary for a peaceful resolution to the conflict. The involvement of various international actors as guarantors further emphasizes the importance of finding a diplomatic solution to the ongoing crisis in Gaza.