NEWS of significant progress in ceasefire negotiations in Cairo, Egypt, between Hamas and Israel was revealed by Egyptian state media. However, Hamas officials denied these claims.
A Hamas official said no progress had been made in talks in Cairo, Egypt, regarding a ceasefire in the war in the Gaza Strip. Hamas, so far, is still studying the latest proposals made by Israel.
The plan would result in a six-week ceasefire and the release of Israeli women and children hostages in exchange for 900 Palestinian prisoners.
The first phase of the proposal would also include the return of Palestinian civilians who had fled to the north of the Gaza Strip. Plus permits to enter 400 to 500 food aid trucks every day into the Gaza area.
This news comes following the White House said negotiators had submitted proposals to Hamas in talks in Cairo.
The first part of the agreement, namely the release of 42 female, children and elderly hostages, will be met with the release of 800 to 900 Palestinian prisoners. As many as 100 of them are serving life or long-term sentences in Israeli prisons, according to Hamas sources.
Also read: Thousands of Israelis criticize Netanyahu for failing in Gaza
The second stage includes the release of all Israeli prisoners, including soldiers and officers, in exchange for a number of Palestinian prisoners to be agreed in the coming days, the source added.
This phase includes the removal of Israeli military checkpoints located on Al-Rashid coastal road to the west of the Gaza Strip and Salah al-Din road to the east.
The proposal would also keep Israeli forces no less than 500 meters from both roads without any harassment or inspection of refugees and maintain drones to monitor the traffic of armed men on both roads.
Also read: 6 Months of the Israel-Hamas War, Peace in the Gaza Strip is Increasingly Difficult to Achieve
The third part of the deal would include a permanent ceasefire and a full Israeli withdrawal from the Gaza Strip, Hamas sources said.
Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu revealed the exact date for the invasion of Rafah, the enclave which is the last refuge for Palestinian refugees.
The cruelty of Israeli troops has claimed the lives of 33,207 Gazans and injured 75,933 others since the invasion began on October 7. Some 1,170 Israelis were killed and 250 taken hostage, according to Israeli data, and 132 others remain missing. (France24/Z-1)
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