The Hamas movement announced on Monday that it has agreed to a ceasefire proposal from Egypt and Qatar. The movement stated that Ismail Haniyeh, the head of Hamas's political bureau, made a phone call to Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani and Egyptian intelligence chief Abbas Kamel, informing them of Hamas's approval of their ceasefire agreement proposal.
Hamas clarified that the positive spirit with which its leadership approached the recent ceasefire proposal will carry on to Cairo with the same intent to reach an agreement. Additionally, Hamas indicated that following recent communications with the mediators in Egypt and Qatar, a Hamas delegation will head to Cairo tomorrow (Tuesday) to continue discussions.
The statement emphasized that "Hamas and the Palestinian resistance forces are determined to finalize an agreement that meets our people's demands for a complete halt to aggression, the withdrawal of occupying forces, the return of displaced persons, humanitarian aid for our people, and the initiation of reconstruction, along with achieving a serious prisoner exchange deal."
What does the agreement include?
According to a source in Hamas quoted by Al-Hadath TV, the proposal involves three phases beginning with a 40-day ceasefire. The source added, "The first phase includes the return of displaced persons and the exchange of a number of prisoners, entailing the release of 33 Israelis in exchange for 800-1000 Palestinians." It is also noted that this phase includes a ceasefire and the withdrawal of Israel from the Gaza Valley.
Celebrations in Gaza
Following Hamas's approval of the ceasefire proposal, Palestinian celebrations erupted in Rafah. Hamas leader Taher al-Nounou explained that "the proposal approved by the movement includes a ceasefire, the reconstruction of Gaza, the return of displaced persons, and a prisoner exchange agreement."
