Hamas makes 3-phased counteroffer for ceasefire with Israel

Hamas logo - Microsoft copilot

Hamas made a counteroffer in response to an Israel-backed ceasefire proposal. Their proposal outlines a three-phased plan, including the exchange of hostages for Palestinian prisoners and the reconstruction of Gaza.

Phase one is for a 45-day pause during which Israeli women hostages, males under 19, the elderly, and the sick would be exchanged for Palestinian women and children held in Israeli jails.

Israeli forces would withdraw from populated areas of Gaza, and reconstruction of hospitals and refugee camps would begin.

Under Phase two remaining male Israeli hostages would be exchanged for Palestinian prisoners, and Israeli forces would leave Gaza completely.

Under Phase three, both sides would exchange remains and bodies. The deal would also increase deliveries of food and aid to Gaza. By the end of the 135-day pause in fighting, Hamas aims to conclude negotiations to end the war 

US President Joe Biden described Hamas’s proposal as “a little over the top.”

US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken emphasized the importance of reaching a lasting peace but acknowledged that there is still work to be done for a permanent ceasefire.

Israeli authorities are debating whether to accept or request different conditions. – Support from Microsoft Co-pilot acknowledged