Hamas to present five-point proposal in Cairo talks

A senior Hamas source has revealed that the group plans to present a five-point proposal during upcoming talks in Cairo, aiming to secure a long-term ceasefire and a comprehensive agreement with 'Israel'.

The plan includes a prisoner exchange, a five-year truce, and international and regional guarantees.

According to media reports the first item on the proposal is a comprehensive prisoner exchange. Under this deal, all 'Israeli' captives held in Gaza would be released in exchange for an agreed number of Palestinian detainees.

The proposal also calls for a permanent ceasefire, a full withdrawal of 'Israeli' forces from Gaza, the start of reconstruction efforts, and the lifting of the blockade.

The second point outlines Hamas' willingness to agree to a five-year ceasefire, provided it is backed by international and regional guarantees.

The third point calls for restoring conditions to what they were before March 2, 2025. This would include an end to military operations, 'Israeli' forces returning to positions agreed upon in the January 17, 2025 deal, and the resumption of humanitarian aid under a defined protocol.

The fourth point proposes establishing a local technocratic committee made up of independent figures to govern Gaza. This would follow the Egyptian proposal for a community-based support committee.

The final point affirms Hamas’ readiness to engage in national Palestinian reconciliation, based on previous agreements between Palestinian factions—most recently the Beijing Agreement of 2024.

Earlier Tuesday, a senior Palestinian official familiar with the ceasefire talks told the BBC that Qatari and Egyptian mediators had put forward a new proposal to end the war in Gaza. A senior Hamas official confirmed a delegation had left Doha for Cairo to discuss the ideas.

The proposed plan reportedly includes a ceasefire lasting five to seven years, the release of all 'Israeli' captives in exchange for Palestinian detainees, an official end to the war, and a full Israeli withdrawal from Gaza.

The same official also noted that Hamas is open to transferring the governance of Gaza to a mutually agreed Palestinian body—either the Palestinian Authority in the West Bank or a newly established administrative entity.

Hamas’ delegation to Cairo will be led by political bureau chief Mohammed Darwish and senior negotiator Khalil al-Hayya. A Hamas leader, speaking to Agence France-Presse on condition of anonymity, confirmed that the delegation would meet Egyptian officials to explore these new ideas for a potential ceasefire.

'Israel' has not yet commented on the proposed plan. While it is too early to assess the chances of success, the Palestinian official described the current mediation efforts as “serious” and said Hamas has shown “unprecedented flexibility.”

The last ceasefire collapsed a month ago, when 'Israel' resumed its military campaign in Gaza.

A few days ago, Hamas rejected an 'Israeli' proposal that included a demand for the group to disarm in exchange for a six-week truce.

On Saturday, 'Israeli' Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reiterated that the war would not end until Hamas is dismantled and all captives are returned. Hamas has insisted that Israel must commit to ending the war before any hostage releases take place.