For the first time, a real breakthrough has been achieved in the ceasefire talks between Palestinian and Israeli sides, following the expansion of the Israeli delegation’s authority under the leadership of Mossad Chief David Barnea.
This progress comes after the Egyptian and American sides submitted a new proposal in the negotiations, aiming for a comprehensive ceasefire through several stages.
A well-informed Palestinian source disclosed to Al-Ittihad that the new Egyptian-American proposal includes the return of displaced civilians from South Rafah to North Gaza, without Israeli inspections.
Additionally, it calls for the opening of Rashid and Salah al-Din streets, with Israeli forces positioned 500 meters away.
The proposal also suggests increasing humanitarian aid to 500 trucks daily, distributed across the Gaza Strip, including the northern areas, and the release of 900 Palestinian detainees by Israel, including 100 with life sentences, in exchange for 40 Israeli hostages held by Palestinian factions.
The second phase of the proposal emphasizes the release of all Israeli hostages, a return to complete calm, and a halt to military operations in Gaza. Mediators are insisting on the withdrawal of Israeli forces from the Gaza Strip and a freeze on all military activities.
Mediators are awaiting responses from both Israel and the factions to declare a temporary humanitarian truce for three days during the Eid al-Fitr holiday.
This pause in military operations would facilitate negotiations on a prisoner exchange deal between the two sides, aiming for a speedy conclusion. The U.S. and Qatar have shown support for the Egyptian ceasefire proposal, considering it a first step towards building trust.
Egyptian media sources have confirmed that the Cairo talks have reached an agreement on key aspects of the ceasefire in the Gaza Strip and the exchange of hostages.
The American, Israeli, and Qatari delegations, along with the factions’ delegation, have left Cairo, with consultations to continue over the next 48 hours to finalize the agreement terms.
Israeli media, citing sources familiar with the Cairo negotiations, have highlighted the significance of the recent talks. An American proposal includes Israel providing a list of living detainees beforehand.
Israel is reportedly willing to show significant flexibility regarding the return of civilians to North Gaza, allowing them to return to their homes without inspection if an agreement with Palestinian factions is reached.
Most Israeli war council ministers have approved the American proposal related to the prisoner exchange and the return of Palestinian displaced persons to North Gaza.
However, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has withheld approval until receiving an official response from the Palestinian factions in the coming days.
The U.S. State Department has confirmed Israel’s agreement to use the Ashdod port for delivering humanitarian aid to North Gaza, welcoming the Israeli army’s announcement to establish a deconfliction committee to coordinate with humanitarian relief organizations in Gaza.
