As the war in Gaza enters its fourth month, the United States, Egypt, and Qatar are pushing for a comprehensive plan aimed at ending the conflict, described as a "90-day phased" initiative. This plan begins with the release of detainees and culminates in the withdrawal of the Israeli army from the Gaza Strip and the cessation of hostilities.
The "90-day plan" includes a ceasefire for an unspecified number of days, starting with the release of all civilian detainees in Gaza in exchange for the release of hundreds of Palestinian prisoners from Israeli jails. Concurrently, the Israeli army will withdraw from the towns of the Gaza Strip, allowing for freedom of movement within the area, and halting drone flights for intelligence-gathering purposes, as reported by the American newspaper "Wall Street Journal."
In the second phase of the plan, Hamas would release Israeli female soldiers and return the bodies of captives who have died, in exchange for the release of all Palestinian female prisoners. The third phase involves the release of the remaining Israeli soldiers held in Gaza and all reserve unit members in exchange for the release of more Palestinian prisoners, as the Israeli army withdraws the remainder of its forces from the Gaza Strip.
According to the report from the American newspaper, both Israel and Hamas currently oppose the proposal, but influential countries see the resumption of communications as a positive sign and will press strongly for its implementation. Israeli media has reported that the Israeli war cabinet discussed the plan but opposed troop withdrawal in the first phase. Egyptian officials have stated that despite the Israeli government's public hardline stance, there are differing opinions within the cabinet. A Qatari official indicated that their country is communicating with both sides to end the war and bloodshed, "protect innocent civilians, ensure the release of hostages, and allow for continued humanitarian aid."
### Ongoing Talks and a Deadlock
In the latest developments, NBC News reported on Monday that talks regarding the release of detainees in Gaza are ongoing but remain at an impasse due to what it referred to as Hamas's demand for a permanent ceasefire. The network cited an unnamed diplomatic source saying that there is an agreement on some mechanisms for potential future exchanges of detainees. This source added that the sticking point in the potential agreement for the detainee exchange is Israel's refusal to agree to any permanent ceasefire.
The potential agreement for detainee exchange would involve a cessation of fighting for over a month and a phased exchange of detainees. According to the network, discussions related to the post-war period in Gaza are taking place in a separate track from the detainee exchange agreement.
### Biden's Advisor to Visit the Region
Brett McGurk, senior advisor to U.S. President Joe Biden, is expected to travel to Egypt and Qatar this week for talks aimed at making progress in negotiations regarding the release of detained individuals by Hamas and discussing the war in Gaza, according to three sources familiar with the matter cited by both Axios and Israeli site "Walla." The trip is part of a renewed effort by the Biden administration to secure a new deal. U.S. officials acknowledge that reaching such an agreement could be the only way to achieve a ceasefire in Gaza. This is McGurk's second trip to the region this month to discuss ways to stop the war.
McGurk is anticipated to meet with Egyptian Intelligence Minister Abbas Kamel in Egypt, followed by a meeting with Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani in Doha later this week. McGurk consulted with Israeli officials last week regarding the exchange deal negotiations, and President Biden discussed this matter with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Friday.
### Aid Entry Through Ashdod Port
The New York Times reported that American, British, and European officials are pressuring Israel to allow aid to enter the Gaza Strip through the Israeli port of Ashdod to help alleviate the humanitarian crisis in the area. According to the newspaper, which cited three officials, the new proposal would involve shipping aid from Cyprus to Ashdod. An European official indicated that shipments would then be transferred from Ashdod to the Kerem Shalom crossing into Gaza. The report quoted an American official and a European official stating that the ultimate goal is to create a viable alternative for delivering shipments through Egypt in a manner that meets Israeli security inspection requirements.
