Latest ceasefire talks: What’s at stake for Israel and Hamas?

The detailed proposal for a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas involves a multi-phased de-escalation and the possibility of ending the ongoing war in Gaza. Here’s a breakdown of the current proposal, based on information from Egyptian and Hamas officials:

1. **Initial Agreement and Actions**: The plan seeks to prevent an Israeli ground assault on Rafah by starting with a 40-day ceasefire. Initially, Hamas would release female civilian captives in exchange for Palestinian prisoners from Israel. This phase also includes Israeli troop withdrawals from certain areas in Gaza to facilitate humanitarian aid and allow displaced Palestinians to return home.

2. **Verification and Negotiations**: During this period, Hamas is expected to provide a list of living captives. Indirect negotiations aimed at establishing a permanent calm would also begin.

3. **Continued Phases**: The subsequent six-week phase aims to secure the release of all remaining captives in exchange for more Palestinian prisoners. This phase would finalize arrangements for lasting peace, including Hamas’s commitment not to rearm.

4. **Reconstruction and Long-term Goals**: The final stage involves a five-year reconstruction plan for Gaza, with international oversight expected, although specifics on governance and funding remain unclear.

Each stage is designed to build trust and verify commitments, with the ultimate goal of ending the cycle of conflict and beginning reconstruction. The proposal requires significant compromises from both sides, addressing the immediate humanitarian crisis and setting a foundation for more sustained peace efforts. However, sticking points such as the future political control of Gaza and the terms of a permanent ceasefire could pose challenges to the negotiation process.