ALBAWABA - As Israel continues its assaults on Gaza, international efforts to secure a ceasefire persist. Egypt has reportedly put forward a three-stage ceasefire proposal, including the gradual release of all prisoners.
According to The Times of Israel, citing a source who participated in last week's talks between Egypt and Hamas in Cairo, Egypt's proposal outlines a two-week ceasefire in the first stage, extendable to 3 or 4 weeks. This initial phase aims to secure the release of 40 Israeli prisoners, including women, children, elderly men, and patients.
In return, Israel is expected to release 120 Palestinian prisoners from similar categories, ensure a ceasefire during the specified period, and withdraw its tanks from Gaza, allowing humanitarian aid to reach the region.
The second stage involves facilitating talks among Palestinian groups to establish a technocratic government in the West Bank and Gaza. The third and final stage focuses on achieving a comprehensive ceasefire, followed by the complete release of Israeli prisoners in Gaza. In reciprocity, the release of Palestinian prisoners will be determined at a later stage.
The proposal also suggests that, at this point, Israel will withdraw its forces from the Gaza Strip, permitting displaced Gazans in the northern region to return to their homes. The implementation of these stages is contingent on the parties' compliance with each step of the ceasefire plan.
