Egypt has presented what is described as an ambitious plan to end the war in Gaza with a ceasefire.
Egypt is suggesting that, as part of the proposed permanent ceasefire, Hamas and Islamic Jihad should give up power in the Gaza Strip.
Egypt has presented what is described as an ambitious plan to end the war in Gaza with a ceasefire.
The proposal, developed with the Gulf state of Qatar, aims to broker a permanent ceasefire in Israel's war in the Gaza Strip, where more than 21,000 people have been killed, and the majority of the 2.3 million Palestinian residents have been displaced so far.
The Egyptian proposal has been presented to Israel, Hamas, the United States and European governments. Egypt has engaged in discussions between Hamas and its allied Islamic Jihad to facilitate a lasting ceasefire.
Here is Egypt's Proposal to end the Israel-Gaza war with a cease-fire, based on the reports by Al Jazeera, Time and Reuters.
Ceasefire Stages
Egypt is proposing a multi-stage ceasefire to address the war in Gaza Strip.
In the first phase, an initial temporary ceasefire lasting for one or two weeks is suggested. During this period, Hamas would release all civilian captives. In return, there would be the release of Palestinian prisoners over a truce of 7-10 days.
Moving to the second stage, another weeklong truce is recommended. Hamas, in this phase, would release all female Israeli soldiers. The reciprocation for this action would involve the release of more Palestinian prisoners.
The third stage, anticipated to last approximately one month, is contingent on negotiations. This phase would witness the release of all captives held by Hamas in return for an agreed-upon number of Palestinian prisoners.
Hamas and Islamic Jihad To Give Up
Egypt is suggesting that, as part of the proposed permanent ceasefire, Hamas and Islamic Jihad should relinquish power in the Gaza Strip.
Leaders of the two groups have repeatedly insisted a post-Gaza war future should be determined by the Palestinians themselves and not according to foreign dictation. Notably, Israel has demanded the destruction of both Hamas and Islamic Jihad.
Post-war
Egypt is actively facilitating talks to establish a technocratic government post-Gaza war. This government would be responsible for managing relief aid, overseeing Gaza's reconstruction, and conducting a legislative election.
The final phase of the proposal focuses on an Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, paving the way for the return of displaced individuals.
So far, Hamas has rejected the temporary ceasefire insisting that it will not stop fighting unless Israeli "aggression" ends. Israel is open to a temporary ceasefire but has rejected Palestinian militants' demands for war cessation and troop withdrawal from Gaza.