Hamas on Monday accepted a US-mediated ceasefire proposal that would see Israel halt its devastating seven-month war on Gaza and the phased release of all Israeli captives in exchange for Palestinian prisoners.
The proposal, seen by Middle East Eye, is made up of three six-week stages that lead to a permanent ceasefire, the full withdrawal of Israeli forces from the Gaza Strip and the ending of the siege.
It also includes the release of all Israeli captives held in Gaza in exchange for a number of Palestinian prisoners to be agreed upon at a later stage.
The first phase includes a “temporary cessation of military operations”, the Israeli withdrawal from populated areas in the Gaza Strip, the unconditional return of displaced Palestinians to northern Gaza and the release of up to 33 living Israeli captives in exchange for approximately 1,000 Palestinian prisoners.
This phase also includes allowing the entry of 600 aid trucks into Gaza, including to the north, without restrictions. ….more
