ALBAWABA - Hamas has formally submitted its response to a ceasefire proposal led by U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff, calling for a permanent cessation of hostilities, the complete withdrawal of Israeli forces from the Gaza Strip, and the uninterrupted delivery of humanitarian aid to the besieged territory.
The full document, obtained by Al Jazeera Net, outlines detailed terms that would guide a 60-day truce period during which further negotiations would take place.
In its reply, Hamas agreed to release 10 live Israeli hostages and 18 bodies in multiple phases in exchange for an agreed number of Palestinian prisoners. The initial phase would see four Israeli captives released on the first day of the ceasefire, followed by additional releases on the 30th and 60th days. Similarly, the remains of six Israeli captives would be returned in each of three intervals—on days 10, 30, and 50.
The response emphasizes immediate access for humanitarian aid upon the agreement’s activation. This includes restoration of essential infrastructure—electricity, water, sanitation, telecommunications—as well as the reopening of hospitals, schools, and bakeries. It also calls for unrestricted travel through the Rafah crossing and resumption of commercial movement.
A significant component of the proposal involves the redeployment of Israeli troops. Hamas demands that the Israeli military withdraw to positions held before March 2, 2025. During the truce, military and surveillance flights would be banned over Gaza for at least 10 hours daily, and 12 hours on days involving prisoner exchanges.
Negotiations for a permanent ceasefire and final prisoner swaps would begin on day one of the truce. Hamas proposes that a neutral technocratic committee assume governance of Gaza during the transition period. Additionally, the group demands a 5–7-year cessation of hostilities, guaranteed by the U.S., Egypt, and Qatar.
The agreement would be overseen and guaranteed by the same three nations. U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff is expected to lead the negotiations on the ground, while President Donald Trump is set to announce the agreement personally, underscoring Washington’s commitment to reaching a lasting resolution.
Hamas also commits to providing details on all remaining Israeli hostages within 10 days of the agreement and demands reciprocal disclosure from Israel regarding Palestinian prisoners.
