Gaza Ceasefire – Full Translation of Hamas’ Response to Witkoff Proposal
Al-Jazeera Arabic website says that it had “obtained a
copy of Hamas’ response to the proposal from US envoy Steve Witkoff for a
ceasefire in the Gaza Strip and prisoner exchange.”
A short time ago, the Palestinian Resistance movement
announced that it had delivered its response to mediators today, Saturday,
aiming for a “permanent ceasefire, a full withdrawal from the Gaza Strip, and
guaranteed aid flow to our people in the Strip.”
Hamas’ response includes the release of ten living
Israeli prisoners and 18 bodies in several phases. In exchange, an agreed-upon
number of Palestinian prisoners would be released during a 60-day ceasefire,
during which negotiations would take place to end the war and ensure Israeli
withdrawal from the Gaza Strip.
Below is the text of Hamas’ response, submitted on May
31, according to the document published by Al-Jazeera.
Editor’s Note: The document was produced in Arabic by Al-Jazeera and translated by the Palestine
Chronicle below. Therefore, please note that the English translation provided
here is not the official response from Hamas and other Palestinian groups.
Framework for Negotiating a Permanent Ceasefire
Agreement
Duration:
A 60-day ceasefire. President Trump guarantees Israel’s commitment to the
ceasefire during the agreed-upon period.
Release of Israeli Prisoners and Bodies: 10 living Israeli prisoners and 18 bodies will
be released. This includes 4 living prisoners on day one, 2 living prisoners on
day 30, and 4 living prisoners on day 60. As for the bodies, 6 will be handed
over on day 10, 6 on day 30, and 6 on day 50.
Aid and Humanitarian Situation:
Aid will enter Gaza immediately upon approval of the
ceasefire agreement, according to the humanitarian protocol stipulated in the
January 19, 2025 agreement, through the United Nations, its agencies, and other
organizations, including the Red Crescent.
Rehabilitation of infrastructure (electricity, water,
sanitation, communications, and roads) and entry of necessary materials,
including construction materials. Rehabilitation and operation of hospitals,
health centers, schools, and bakeries in all areas of the Strip.
Allowing residents of the Strip to travel to and from
the Gaza Strip via the Rafah crossing without any restrictions, and the return
of goods and commercial traffic.
During the negotiation period, arrangements and plans
for the reconstruction of homes, facilities, and infrastructure destroyed
during the war, and support for war-affected groups, will be finalized. The
implementation of the Gaza Strip’s reconstruction plan will begin for 3 to 5
years under the supervision of several countries and organizations, including
Egypt, Qatar, and the United Nations.
Israeli Military Activities: All Israeli military activities in Gaza will
cease upon the entry into force of this agreement. During the ceasefire period,
aerial activity (military and reconnaissance) in the Gaza Strip will cease for
10 hours daily, and for 12 hours during prisoner and detainee exchange days.
Israeli Forces Withdrawal: On day one, 4 living Israeli prisoners will be
released. Israeli forces will withdraw to their positions prior to March 2,
2025, in all areas of the Gaza Strip, according to the maps stipulated in the
January 19, 2025, agreement.
Negotiations: On day one, indirect negotiations will begin
under the sponsorship of the mediating guarantors for a permanent ceasefire,
covering the following topics:
Keys and conditions for the exchange of all remaining
Israeli prisoners for an agreed-upon number of Palestinian prisoners in Israeli
prisons.
Declaration of a permanent ceasefire and the complete
withdrawal of Israeli forces from the Gaza Strip.
(After agreement on the exchange of remaining
prisoners and bodies, and before the handover procedures begin, a permanent
ceasefire and the withdrawal of Israeli forces from the entire Gaza Strip will
be announced).
“Day After” Arrangements in Gaza:
An independent technocrat committee will immediately
begin managing all affairs of the Gaza Strip upon the start of this agreement’s
implementation, with full powers and responsibilities.
Cessation of mutual military (hostile) operations
between the two parties for a long period (5-7 years) guaranteed by the
mediators (United States, Egypt, Qatar).
Presidential Support: The President is serious about the parties’
commitment to the ceasefire agreement and insists that negotiations during the
temporary ceasefire, if successfully concluded with an agreement between the
parties, will lead to a permanent resolution of the conflict.
Release of Palestinian Prisoners and Bodies: In exchange for the release of the 10 living
Israeli prisoners and 18 bodies, an agreed-upon number of Palestinian prisoners
and bodies will be released. Living prisoners and bodies will be released
simultaneously and according to an agreed-upon mechanism.
Status of Prisoners and
Detainees: On day 10, Hamas will provide information on the
number of living and dead among the remaining prisoners held by Hamas and
Palestinian factions. In return, Israel will provide full information on all
living and dead prisoners captured from the Gaza Strip’s residents since
October 7, 2023. Hamas commits to ensuring the health, care, and security of
Israeli detainees immediately upon the ceasefire. In return, Israel commits to
ensuring the health, care, and security of Palestinian prisoners and detainees
in Israeli prisons and detention centers according to international law and
norms.
Release of Remaining
Prisoners: Negotiations regarding a permanent ceasefire in Gaza
should be completed within 60 days. Upon agreement and after the declaration of
a permanent ceasefire and the complete withdrawal of Israeli forces from the
Gaza Strip, the remaining prisoners (living and dead) from Israel’s provided
list of 58 will be released in exchange for an agreed-upon number of
Palestinian prisoners.
Guarantors: The
mediating guarantors (United States, Egypt, Qatar) guarantee the continuation
of the ceasefire for 60 days and guarantee the continuation of negotiations
until a permanent ceasefire agreement is reached, with the cessation of
military operations and the entry of humanitarian aid.
Envoy to Head Negotiations: Special
Envoy Ambassador Steve Witkoff will come to the region to finalize the
agreement. Witkoff will head the negotiations.
President Trump: President
Trump will personally announce the ceasefire agreement. The United States and
President Trump are committed to working to ensure that negotiations continue
seriously until a final agreement is reached.
(Al-Jazeera Arabic –
Translated by The Palestine Chronicle)
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