THREE-STAGE HAMAS CEASEFIRE PLAN

Copyright infringement not intended

Picture Courtesy: https://www.indiatoday.in/world/video/israel-palestine-conflict-how-the-israel-hamas-war-is-unfolding-2448608-2023-10-13

Context: The conflict between Israel and Hamas continues, with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu rejecting a ceasefire offer from Hamas. The offer includes a three-stage plan with truce periods and hostage exchanges.

Details

• Hamas aims to work out an agreement to end the war within a 135-day period during these phases. They are seeking guarantees from Qatar, Egypt, and other friendly states to ensure the sustainability of the ceasefire beyond the release of hostages. US President Joe Biden has described Hamas's demands as "a little over the top," but negotiations are set to continue.
• The Israeli Prime Minister faces pressure from right-wing elements in his government opposing concessions to Hamas, as well as from the families of hostages who desire their loved ones' return.

The three stages proposed by Hamas in the ceasefire plan are as follows:

• Phase 1: Release of Israeli women hostages, boys under 19, and the sick and elderly, in exchange for Palestinian women and children in Israeli jails. Israeli military withdrawal from populated areas, and the commencement of reconstruction efforts, particularly in hospitals, in Gaza.
• Phase 2: Release of the remaining male hostages, and complete withdrawal of Israeli troops from all of Gaza.
• Phase 3: Exchange of bodies and mortal remains of individuals killed on both sides.

Must Read Articles:

ISRAEL:  https://www.iasgyan.in/daily-current-affairs/israel

INDIA ISRAEL RELATIONS: https://www.iasgyan.in/daily-current-affairs/india-israel-relations-9

ISRAEL HAMAS CONFLICT: https://www.iasgyan.in/daily-current-affairs/israel-hamas-conflict#:~:text=In%20past%20crises%2C%20Israel%20has,for%20India%20in%20recent%20years.

ISRAEL HAMAS DEAL: https://www.iasgyan.in/daily-current-affairs/israel-hamas-deal