ALBAWABA - As Israel continues brutally pounding Gaza, Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh is due to visit Cairo, Egypt today to follow up on the ceasefire talks that have been in the making for weeks, as international mediators gathered in Paris.
A source told AFP that Hamas is reviewing a proposal for a six-week truce in its war with Israel, as efforts continue to reach a hostage swap deal between Hamas and Israel in exchange for a ceasefire.
Hamas has confirmed that it is studying a three-phase truce proposal in Gaza, while hardline Israeli government members have threatened to dissolve the government coalition if the deal is not acceptable to them.
Haniyeh stated in a statement that Hamas is "open to discussing any serious and practical initiatives or ideas, provided that they lead to a comprehensive cessation of aggression".
Hamas also stated that the plan must guarantee the "complete withdrawal of occupation forces from the Gaza Strip". He stated that the group's leadership had been invited to Cairo to work toward an "integrated vision" for the framework agreement.
The proposed 3-stage deal
In a statement to Reuters, Hamas stated that the proposal had three stages. The plan has been sent to Gaza to get the opinion of Hamas leaders.
"The Hamas leadership will meet to discuss the paper and express its final opinion on it,". According to Reuters, the first phase would include a cease-fire and the release of hostages, including the elderly, civilian women, and children.
Major food and medicine deliveries to Gaza, which is currently experiencing a devastating humanitarian crisis, would resume.
The second phase would include the release of female Israeli soldiers, an increase in aid deliveries, and the restoration of utility services in Gaza.
The third phase would involve the release of the bodies of deceased Israeli soldiers in exchange for the release of Palestinian prisoners, according to two sources.
Al-Aqsa Flood operation against Israel
Hamas military group announced on Oct. 7 a military operation called "Al-Aqsa Flood" against Israel which is the biggest offensive in decades.
Palestinian fighters “infiltrated” Israel from the Gaza Strip and captured military bases and took hostages as photos and videos went viral online showing Hamas fighters on vehicles inside Israel and others paragliding into occupation territory.
In response, Israeli armed forces announced targeting Hamas positions inside the Gaza Strip. Thousands were killed, and dozens of thousands of others were injured in the Israeli attacks on the Gaza Strip.
The latest statistics by the Ministry of Health in Gaza revealed that the death toll from Israeli brutal pounding on the Gaza Strip since October 7 has soared to 26,900 people, with more than 65,949 injuries.
Since then, approximately 85% of Gazans have been displaced, all of whom are suffering from severe food insecurity, and the healthcare system has collapsed. Hundreds of thousands of people lack shelter, and aid trucks are entering the area at a lower rate than before the conflict began.
