Middle East Eye: Details of the Israeli proposal submitted to Hamas
According to the Middle East Eye website Israel has submitted a proposal which was announced by US President Joe Biden, related to a ceasefire in Gaza and the exchange of prisoners.
On Friday, May 31, US President Joe Biden announced that Israel had presented a three-stage proposal that includes a ceasefire in Gaza, prisoner exchanges, and the reconstruction of the Strip.
Biden explained that the proposal begins with a six-week phase, which includes the withdrawal of Israeli forces from populated areas in the Gaza Strip and an initial exchange of hostages and prisoners.
Biden stressed the importance of negotiating between Israel and the Palestinians to reach a permanent ceasefire, noting that “the time has come to end this war”.
On the other hand, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office has stated that the war on Gaza won’t end until all its goals are achieved.
As for Hamas, it gave an initial positive reaction to the plan, describing the proposal as a positive step.
According to the proposal details:
First stage (42 days):
Temporary cessation of military operations: The Israeli army will withdraw to the eastern border of the Gaza Strip.
Temporary suspension of military and reconnaissance flights: Military sorties will be suspended for 10 hours a day and 12 hours on detainee exchange days.
On the seventh day, the occupation forces will withdraw from al Rasheed Street to Salah al Din Street.
On the twenty-second day, the Israeli forces will withdraw from the center of the Gaza Strip to its border.
As for the exchange of detainees and prisoners, Hamas will release 33 Israeli prisoners, while Israel will release a number of Palestinian prisoners.
The Prisoner Exchange Mechanism: The release of Israeli prisoners will be carried out in specific stages.
Guarantees that Palestinian prisoners won’t be re-arrested: It will be ensured that prisoners released on previous charges won’t be re-arrested.
Indirect talks begin: Indirect talks will begin between the two parties on the second phase.
Introduction of humanitarian aid and rehabilitation of infrastructure.
Shelter for internally displaced people: Temporary shelters and tents will be provided for the refugees in Gaza.
Second stage (42 days):
Announcement of the restoration of sustainable calm: Military operations will cease permanently and the remaining prisoners will be exchanged with the full withdrawal of the Israeli forces from the Gaza Strip.
Third stage (42 days):
Dead bodies exchange: The bodies of the dead will be exchanged between the two sides.
Reconstruction of the Gaza Strip begins: The reconstruction process will begin for a period of 3 to 5 years under the supervision of countries and international organizations.
Opening border crossings: Crossings will be opened to facilitate the movement of residents and the transport of goods.
Guarantor Countries: The proposal identified three guarantors of the agreement: Qatar, Egypt, and Saudi Arabia.
