According to sources close to the Israel-Hamas ceasefire negotiations, Qatari and Egyptian mediators have come up with a new formula to end the war in Gaza. A senior Palestinian official told the BBC that the proposed formula involves a ceasefire lasting five to seven years. In exchange for the long-term ceasefire, all Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails will be released, the war will officially end and Israel will completely withdraw from the Gaza Strip.
Hamas Delegation to Hold Consultations in Cairo
In a significant step in the ceasefire negotiations, a high-level Hamas delegation is expected to arrive in Cairo for consultations. These talks are critical to assessing the details of the new formula proposed by the mediators and clarifying the parties' positions.
Previous Ceasefire Attempt Failed
It may be recalled that the previous ceasefire attempt collapsed about a month ago due to Israel continuing its bombardment of Gaza. Both sides blamed each other for the failure to maintain the ceasefire. The Israeli side has not yet made any official statement about the new plan of the mediators.
Airstrikes Continue in Gaza
Meanwhile, an official from the Hamas-run health ministry told the BBC that a series of Israeli airstrikes in the Gaza Strip since Monday evening had killed 22 Palestinians. The official said those killed were in the Khan Younis, Jabaliya, Beit Lahiya and Gaza City areas, with 45 injured. Local residents and witnesses described the airstrikes as “extremely intense.” Witnesses also said the strikes targeted a large number of bulldozers and heavy machinery used by Hamas-run municipalities to clear roads, clear rubble and rescue victims from under the rubble. Tank activity was also reported in the southern part of Rafah, a city in southern Gaza.
Critical Talks to be Held in Cairo
Amid Israel’s ongoing offensive on Gaza, a high-level delegation led by Hamas’ political council chairman Mohammed Darwish and chief negotiator Khalil al-Hayya are set to hold talks in Cairo. The meeting comes shortly after Hamas rejected Israel’s latest offer to disarm in exchange for a six-week ceasefire. On Saturday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said firmly that he would not end the war until Hamas was destroyed and all hostages were returned. In return, Hamas is demanding that Israel commit to ending the war before the hostages are released.
Hamas Gives Green Light to Transition of Government
A Palestinian official familiar with the talks told the BBC that Hamas had signalled it was ready to hand over control of Gaza to any Palestinian entity that could be agreed on “at national and regional levels”. The official said that this entity could be the West Bank-based Palestinian Authority (PA) or a new administrative body. The statement is seen as a significant sign that Hamas could be flexible on the post-war administration of Gaza.
