New Gaza Ceasefire Proposal Emerges: Qatari-Egyptian Initiative Offers Seven-Year Truce, Hostage Release

A new proposal for an end to the conflict in Gaza has emerged from Qatari and Egyptian mediators, according to a senior Palestinian official familiar with the negotiations. The plan, outlined to BBC News by this official, envisions a comprehensive ceasefire lasting between five and seven years, contingent on the release of all remaining Israeli hostages held by Hamas in exchange for the unconditional release of Palestinian prisoners incarcerated in Israeli jails. Furthermore, the proposal demands a formal end to hostilities and a complete Israeli withdrawal from Gaza territory.

The initiative comes amidst ongoing tensions following Israel’s recent resumption of aerial bombardment of Gaza after a previous ceasefire collapsed last month. Both sides have repeatedly blamed each other for the failure to maintain stability. A senior Hamas delegation is scheduled to arrive in Cairo on Tuesday for consultations, led by the movement’s political council head, Mohammed Darwish, and lead negotiator Khalil al-Hayya.

Hamas has reportedly signaled a willingness to consider handing over governance of Gaza to an agreed-upon Palestinian entity – potentially either the West Bank-based Palestinian Authority (PA) or a newly formed administrative body. However, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has staunchly opposed any role for the PA in future Gaza administration, having ruled out their involvement.

The mediators’ plan follows Israel’s rejection of a recent proposal that demanded Hamas disarm in exchange for a six-week truce. Netanyahu reiterated his commitment to continuing military operations until all hostages are recovered and Hamas is dismantled. Hamas has repeatedly insisted on an end to the war before any hostage release can occur. Despite early skepticism, sources indicate that Hamas has displayed “unprecedented flexibility” within the current mediation effort.

The conflict, which began with Hamas’s attack on Israel on October 7th, 2023 – resulting in approximately 1,200 fatalities, primarily civilians, and the abduction of 251 individuals – has subsequently triggered a massive Israeli military offensive. According to figures from Gaza’s Hamas-run health ministry, over 51,240 Palestinians, predominantly civilian casualties, have been killed during this period.

Adding further complexity, the Palestinian Embassy in Cairo has relocated its staff and families to Arish, a city near the Gaza border, following their coordination of medical evacuations from Gaza hospitals and humanitarian aid deliveries. The situation remains highly volatile, and the success of this new mediation effort hinges on the willingness of both Israeli and Hamas leadership to compromise.