Egypt Anticipates Responses to its Proposed Ceasefire Plan to End Gaza Conflict

A delegation from Hamas is set to arrive in Cairo on Friday to convey their “observations” regarding an Egyptian-proposed ceasefire plan aimed at ending the conflict in Gaza.. This was disclosed by a Hamas official on Thursday.

Speaking on condition of anonymity, the Hamas official said the upcoming visit of the Qatar-based Hamas political office to Cairo to meet Egyptian officials is planned to give the response of the Palestinian factions, including several observations, to Egypt’s proposed plan to end the war in Gaza.

Cairo confirmed on Thursday that it had proposed a framework intended to bring together the views of the warring parties, with the aim of ending the shedding of Palestinian blood, stopping the aggression against the Gaza Strip, and restoring regional peace and security

The three-stage plan, presented last week to officials from Hamas and Islamic Jihad during their visit to Cairo, involves renewable ceasefires, a gradual release of hostages held by Hamas in exchange for Palestinian prisoners in Israel, and, ultimately, a comprehensive ceasefire to conclude the conflict ignited by the deadly October 7 attack on Israel.

Sources close to Hamas suggest that the plan also outlines the formation of a Palestinian government of technocrats that would be tasked with governance and reconstruction in post-war Gaza.

The head of Egypt’s State Information Services, Diaa Rashwan, who confirmed the proposal, said Egypt is awaiting responses to its initiative, noting that details will be made public once feedback from all concerned parties has been received.