Egypt has proposed an extensive plan for a ceasefire and post-war situation in Gaza that includes the full withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza and a new technocratic government in both Gaza and the West Bank. Several news outlets have reported the proposal, which outlines a multi-stage cessation of hostilities. It would eventually lead to a unified Palestinian government overseeing the enclave, exchanges of captives, and a truce. The first stage would see Hamas and armed Palestinian groups release all civilian captives in Gaza, with the goal of exchanging them for a negotiated number of Palestinians held in Israeli prisons. A second stage would involve additional releases, as well as an exchange of captured soldiers. A final exchange of captives was planned to take place after negotiations for one month. In this phase, Israel would also pull its forces back to the Gaza border and cease all aerial campaigns on the Strip. Additionally, Hamas would cease all armed actions against Israel.
The proposal would also see Egypt, along with Doha and Washington, engage in negotiations to create a technocratic government to head both Gaza and the West Bank. The proposal has been submitted to Israel, Hamas, and the US. However, it appears unlikely to gain traction from either of the warring parties. Israel’s war cabinet is due to discuss the proposal, but it is not likely to be accepted in its entirety. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has vowed to press on with the military campaign on Gaza, with the stated goal of eliminating Hamas.
As the death toll in Israel’s war on Gaza continues to rise, the news of the ceasefire plan has emerged. The death toll at the time of writing was over 20,000, including more than 8,000 children, and an additional 54,536 have been wounded by Israeli attacks. The proposal comes as Israel forcibly displaces Palestinians and continues to launch attacks on Gaza.