Gaza: Source in Hamas said Islamist group is studying Gaza ceasefire deal that would see six-week truce and Israeli women and child hostages freed in exchange for up to 900 Palestinian prisoners.

First phase of proposal would also see return of displaced Palestinian civilians to north of Gaza Strip and 400 to 500 trucks of food aid day delivered to its starving people, according to source close to negotiations, asking for anonymity.

News comes after White House said negotiators had presented Palestinian militant group with proposal after talks in Cairo over weekend.

First part of deal for 42 women, children and elderly hostages would include “800 to 900 Palestinian prisoners”, 100 of whom are serving life or long sentences in Israeli jails, according to Hamas source.

Second stage includes release of all Israeli prisoners, including soldiers and officers, in exchange for number of Palestinian prisoners to be agreed upon in coming days, source added.

“This phase includes lifting Israeli military checkpoints located on Al-Rashid coastal road in west of Gaza Strip and Salah al-Din Road in east,” he said.

Proposal would also keep Israeli forces at distance of “Not less than 500 metres from two roads without interference or any inspections of displaced” and maintain drones to monitor passage of armed men on two roads.

Third part of deal would involve permanent ceasefire and complete Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, Hamas source said. Ceasefire talks in Egyptian capital, which involved CIA Chief William Burns, Israel, Hamas and Qatar were described as “Serious” by White House Monday.

“Now it’s going to be up to Hamas to come through,” White House said. Gaza war was sparked by October 7 attack that resulted in deaths of 1,170 people, mostly civilians according to Israeli figures.

Published in The Daily National Courier, April, 09 2024

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