ALBAWABA - Al Jazeera revealed Hamas' statement to mediators on a Gaza ceasefire and prisoner exchange. Hamas has agreed to a three-phase, 42-day ceasefire, according to Al Jazeera sources.
Hamas requires the initial withdrawal of Israeli soldiers to the separation line in all sectors, the return of displaced people to northern Gaza, and unhindered movement in all areas.
Hamas demanded a durable truce and the total departure of Israeli soldiers from Gaza before the prisoner swap in the second stage in its communications with mediators.
Hamas offered freeing 30 Palestinian prisoners for any civilian prisoner. They demanded the release of 50 Palestinian inmates for each female captive, including 30 serving life sentences, and the easing of penalties on Palestinian detainees since October 7.
Hamas stressed the need for the third phase to break the siege and begin Gaza reconstruction.
Hamas submitted its statement to mediators in Egypt and Qatar Monday, stating its willingness to reach "a serious and genuine prisoner exchange deal"
Hamas reiterated its demands and those of the Palestinian people on its Telegram account, calling for "a permanent ceasefire, withdrawal of occupation forces from all of Gaza, the return of displaced persons, and intensified relief aid and reconstruction efforts."
Sources close to the negotiations told Al Jazeera that Hamas opted to respond again to Israeli suggestions after internal consultations, despite their lack of innovation.
These sources ascribed Netanyahu's unwillingness to negotiate an agreement to political implications within Israel, which could lead to his demise and legal consequences after Palestinian resistance groups' Operation Aqsa Flood on October 7th.
