Hamas' full response to a proposed ceasefire and the delivery of humanitarian aid in exchange for the release of hostages in Gaza proposes three phases, each lasting 45 days.
CNN obtained a copy of Hamas' response, which a senior Hamas official, Muhammad Nazzal, confirmed was genuine.
Here is a breakdown of each phase:
Phase one It would include the release of Israeli hostages, including women and children (under 19) “who are not enlisted, as well as the elderly and sick, in exchange for a specified number of Palestinian prisoners,” Hamas said.
It would also include “intensifying humanitarian aid, relocating forces out of populated areas, allowing the start of reconstruction work on hospitals, houses and facilities in all areas of the Gaza Strip, and allowing the United Nations and its agencies to provide humanitarian services.” and establish accommodation camps for the population.”
The first phase would also include a “temporary cessation of military and aerial reconnaissance operations, and the withdrawal of Israeli forces from populated areas of the Gaza Strip to parallel the separation line, in order to facilitate the exchange of detainees.”
Phase two would see the “completion of (indirect) talks on the necessary requirements for the continuation of the mutual cessation of military operations and the return to a state of complete calm.”
This phase would aim to release all male hostages held in Gaza (civilians and enlisted personnel) “in exchange for a specified number of Palestinian prisoners, continuing the humanitarian measures of the first phase, the withdrawal of Israeli forces out of the borders of all areas of the Gaza Strip, and the comprehensive reconstruction of houses, facilities and infrastructure that were destroyed in all areas of the Gaza Strip.”
Remember: Israel has repeatedly said it will not withdraw its troops from Gaza until a complete victory over Hamas and other militant groups in the territory.
Phase three would aim to “exchange bodies and remains of the deceased from both sides after their arrival and identification,” while humanitarian aid and reconstruction continues.
Finally, Hamas proposes that the guarantors of the agreement would be Egypt, Qatar, Turkey, Russia and the United Nations. It does not include the United States among the guarantors.
