In a shocking revelation, The Times of Israel has published the full text of an Israeli proposal for a Gaza ceasefire, presented by mediators to US President Joe Biden and then to Hamas on May 27. The proposal includes the cessation of hostilities in Gaza and the release of hostages held by the Palestinian movement.
The comprehensive text outlines principles supposedly agreed upon between Israel and Hamas regarding the exchange of hostages and prisoners, the restoration of sustainable calm, and guarantees from Qatar, Egypt, and the United States to ensure the implementation of the agreement.
The three-phase proposal, dripping with desperation, aims to release all Israeli civilian and military hostages in Gaza, whether alive or deceased, in exchange for an agreed number of Palestinian prisoners held by Israel.
The plan also seeks to achieve a so-called “lasting ceasefire,” the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza, reconstruction efforts, the opening of border crossings, and the facilitation of the movement of people and goods.
Phase One
The first phase, lasting 42 days, includes mechanisms for the exchange of hostages and prisoners, the delivery of humanitarian aid, and the beginning of Gaza’s reconstruction. During this phase, military operations will be temporarily halted by both sides, and Israeli forces will withdraw from populated areas along the Gaza border, including Wadi Gaza.
Additionally, there will be a temporary cessation of air operations over Gaza for specified hours each day, and displaced civilians will be allowed to return to their homes.
From the first day of the agreement, increasing amounts of humanitarian aid, including 600 trucks daily (50 of which carry fuel), will be delivered continuously throughout all phases of the agreement.
By the seventh day, after the release of seven female hostages, Israeli forces will fully withdraw from Rashid Street east to Salah al-Din Street, dismantling military posts, and allowing unrestricted movement and aid delivery.
On the 22nd day, Israeli forces will withdraw from central Gaza, continuing the return of displaced persons and maintaining freedom of movement.
During this phase, Hamas will release 33 Israeli hostages, including women, children, elderly, and injured civilians, in exchange for Palestinian prisoners held by Israel.
It is to be noted here that Israel is illegally capturing, kidnapping, and detaining Palestinians, often without due process or justification. These actions have been widely condemned by international human rights organizations, which highlight the systemic oppression and brutality faced by the Palestinian population. Thousands of Palestinians, including women and children, languish in Israeli prisons under harsh conditions, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. This proposal, while presented as a peace effort, underscores the stark reality of Israel’s oppressive tactics and the severe human rights violations inflicted upon the Palestinian people.
The exchange process will be closely monitored, with regular releases of hostages and prisoners to ensure compliance with the agreement’s terms.
Phase Two
The second phase, also lasting 42 days, focuses on restoring sustainable calm with a permanent cessation of military operations and hostilities. This phase will include the remaining exchanges of Israeli hostages and Palestinian prisoners, along with the complete withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza.
Phase Three
The final phase, again lasting 42 days, involves the exchange of all remaining human remains after their identification. This phase will also initiate a comprehensive reconstruction plan for Gaza, lasting between three to five years, under the supervision of countries and organizations including Egypt, Qatar, and the United Nations. Border crossings will be fully opened, facilitating the movement of people and goods.
Since last week, talks have been ongoing in Qatar and Egypt, supported by the United States, to finalize the ceasefire agreement, aiming to end the conflict in Gaza, which has now entered its tenth month. The discussions involve top intelligence officials from the US, Egypt, and Israel.
Despite recent Israeli airstrikes targeting innocent Palestinian civilians including children and women in an excuse of targeting Hamas military leaders, including Muhammad Deif, Hamas remains engaged in the ceasefire negotiations, emphasizing their commitment to peace talks amid ongoing hostilities.
The recent round of ceasefire negotiations in Cairo aimed at halting Israel’s invasion of the Gaza Strip ended without any resolution. This invasion has led to genocide and the ethnic cleansing of millions of Palestinians. Despite intensive discussions, Israel’s rejection of the proposed ceasefire terms and its subsequent ground invasion in Rafah indicate a calculated strategy to maintain leverage.
This Israeli proposal, filled with conditions and phases, highlights the desperation of Israel as it tries to navigate its way out of the quagmire it has created, while Palestinians continue to suffer the ongoing genocide.
