Qatar has presented a comprehensive proposal to both Israel and Hamas for a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, with an initial focus on a 60-day hostages-for-prisoners exchange. This move comes as part of a broader effort to end the 15-month-old war between the two parties. According to officials familiar with the talks, significant progress has been made in negotiations held in Doha, and an agreement could be imminent. The proposal comes just a week before U.S. President-elect Donald Trump takes office, signaling a critical turning point in the ongoing conflict.
Hostage Return and Prisoner Exchange
The proposed truce would begin with the release of 33 hostages, including children, women (including female soldiers), men over 50, and the sick or wounded. Israel believes that most of the hostages are alive but has not received official confirmation from Hamas. The first phase of the deal is set to last 60 days, with a secondary phase involving the release of remaining hostages, including younger male civilians and soldiers, and the return of deceased hostages’ bodies. In return, Israel would release over 1,000 Palestinian prisoners, many of whom are convicted of deadly attacks. However, Hamas fighters involved in the October 7, 2023, attack on Israel would not be included in the release.
Phased Troop Withdrawal and Humanitarian Aid
The proposal also includes a phased withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza. While Israeli troops will remain stationed at the border to defend nearby towns, they will gradually pull out from certain areas. The Rafah crossing between Gaza and Egypt is expected to open in stages, allowing for the passage of the sick and humanitarian cases for medical treatment.
In addition, there is a provision for a significant increase in humanitarian aid to Gaza, addressing the dire conditions faced by the population. However, there are ongoing disputes over the quantity of aid allowed into the enclave, as well as challenges related to looting by criminal gangs.
Future Governance of Gaza
One of the major uncertainties surrounding the proposal is the future governance of Gaza. The issue has been deliberately left out of the current talks due to its complexity, as negotiations over who will govern Gaza after the conflict remain unresolved. Israel has made it clear that it will not allow Hamas to retain power in Gaza and has also rejected the Palestinian Authority’s administration. Instead, there have been discussions involving Israel, the United Arab Emirates, and the United States about the possibility of a provisional administration to oversee Gaza until a reformed Palestinian Authority can take control.
As the war enters its 15th month, the proposal represents a glimmer of hope for peace, though many questions remain unanswered. The international community continues to emphasize the need for Palestinian leadership in Gaza, but efforts to find alternative solutions have largely faltered. The coming weeks will be crucial in determining whether this proposal can pave the way for a lasting ceasefire and the eventual resolution of one of the most protracted conflicts in the Middle East.
Sources By Agencies
