Hamas said that they had accepted an American proposal to begin talks on the release of Israeli detainees in the Gaza Strip, including soldiers and men, within 16 days after the first phase of the agreement.
A senior Hamas source said on Saturday.
The source, who requested anonymity due to the confidentiality of the talks, told Reuters that the movement agreed to abandon the demand that Israel first commit to a permanent ceasefire before signing the agreement and will allow this to be achieved through negotiations during a first phase lasting 6 weeks.
A Palestinian official close to international mediation efforts said that the proposal could lead to a framework agreement if approved by Israel and would end the war that has been ongoing for 9 months between Israel and Hamas in Gaza.
The Hamas source stated that the proposal guarantees that the mediators guarantee a temporary ceasefire agreement, the delivery of aid, and the withdrawal of Israeli forces as long as indirect talks continue to implement the second phase of the agreement.
Summary of what the source mentioned:
- Talks will begin about the release of detainees within two weeks after the first phase.
- Hamas agreed to abandon the requirement that Israel first adhere to a permanent ceasefire before signing the agreement.
- Hamas will allow achieving an Israeli commitment to a permanent ceasefire during a first phase lasting 6 weeks.
- The proposal could lead to a framework agreement, if Israel agrees, that would end the war.
- Mediators will secure a temporary ceasefire agreement.
- Mediators will ensure the delivery of aid.
- The mediators will ensure the withdrawal of Israeli forces.