Egypt has drawn up a phased deal to stop fighting between Israel and Hamas and release more hostages held by the radical Palestinian group. A regional TV network reported this on Sunday.
The three-phase initiative was proposed during talks earlier this week in Cairo between Egyptian officials and a team from Hamas, Saudi Asharq News reported online, citing sources close to the talks.
The first phase reportedly includes a ceasefire of at least two weeks during which Hamas would release 40 Israeli hostages – women and children, as well as sick elderly people – the sources added.
In return, Israel would release 120 Palestinians from its prisons, along with a cessation of hostilities and increased humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip.
In the second phase, talks are proposed to end intra-Palestinian “division”. There is also talk of establishing a Palestinian government that will govern the Gaza Strip and the West Bank.
The third and final phase reportedly aims for a full ceasefire and a “comprehensive” agreement to release all Israeli soldiers held by Hamas and other Palestinian factions in exchange for Palestinian prisoners in Israel.
The third phase also includes an Israeli withdrawal from the Gaza Strip, while allowing displaced Gazans to return to their former homes in the enclave.
The proposal will be discussed by Hamas’s political office in Qatar, the broadcaster said. So far there has been no comment from Egypt or Hamas. Earlier this week, a Hamas delegation led by its leader Ismail Haniyeh visited Cairo for talks with Egyptian officials.
