Hamas Proposes Three-Stage Ceasefire Over 135 Days to End War, According to Reuters

Hamas Proposes Ceasefire Plan in Response to Mediation Efforts

By Samia Nakhoul and Andrew Mills

DOHA – Hamas has put forth a ceasefire plan that aims to halt hostilities in Gaza for four-and-a-half months, potentially leading to an end to the ongoing war. This proposal is a counter to a plan presented last week by mediators from Qatar and Egypt, which has the support of the United States and Israel.

Details from a draft document indicate that Hamas’s counterproposal would unfold over three phases, each lasting 45 days.

The plan includes a provision for the exchange of remaining Israeli hostages taken on October 7 in return for Palestinian prisoners. It also outlines the initiation of reconstruction efforts in Gaza, a complete withdrawal of Israeli forces, and the exchange of bodies and remains.

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken recently arrived in Israel after discussions with leaders from Qatar and Egypt, marking a significant diplomatic effort to secure a prolonged truce. Specifics of Hamas’s counteroffer had not been disclosed previously.

Under Hamas’s proposal, the first phase would involve the release of all Israeli women hostages, males under 19, and the elderly and sick, in exchange for Palestinian women and children currently detained in Israeli prisons. The second phase would see the release of remaining male hostages, while the final phase would focus on the exchange of remains. By the conclusion of this last phase, Hamas hopes a mutual agreement will be reached to end the conflict.

In an additional note, Hamas expressed its desire to secure the release of 1,500 prisoners, one-third of whom would be selected from Palestinians serving life sentences in Israeli prisons.

The proposed ceasefire is also intended to facilitate increased deliveries of food and essential aid to civilians in Gaza, who are grappling with severe shortages and hunger.

This military escalation began when Hamas militants killed approximately 1,200 people and took 253 hostages in southern Israel on October 7. The Health Ministry in Gaza reports that at least 27,585 Palestinians have been confirmed dead due to Israel’s military campaign, with fears that thousands more may be trapped under rubble.