A view of a building destroyed as Israeli strikes continue in Rafah, Gaza, on February 7, 2004.
CNN has obtained a copy of Hamas' response to Israel's proposal for a ceasefire and humanitarian aid in exchange for the release of hostages in Gaza, a senior official with the militant group, Muhammad Najal, confirmed.
Here's a breakdown of each phase:
Hamas said the initial phase would include the release of Israeli hostages, including women and children (under the age of 19), “including the elderly and sick who are not included” in exchange for a limited number of Palestinian prisoners.
This included “intensification of humanitarian assistance, the relocation of forces from populated areas, the beginning of the reconstruction of hospitals, homes and facilities in all parts of Gaza and the authorization of the United Nations and its agencies to provide humanitarian services, and the establishment of shelters for the population.”
The first phase included “a temporary cessation of military and aerial reconnaissance operations and the withdrawal of Israeli forces from populated areas of Gaza, parallel to the separation line, to facilitate the exchange of prisoners.”
The second phase includes “completion of (indirect) talks on the requirements for continuing a mutual cessation of hostilities and a return to a state of complete peace”.
This phase aims to release all male hostages (civilians and enlisted personnel) in Gaza “in exchange for a specified number of Palestinian prisoners, continuing the humanitarian operations of the first phase, the withdrawal of Israeli forces from the borders of all areas. Comprehensive reconstruction of destroyed homes, facilities and infrastructure in all areas of Gaza.
Remember: Israel has repeatedly stated that it will not withdraw its forces from Gaza until there is a complete victory against Hamas and other extremist groups.
The third phase aims to “exchange the bodies and remains of the dead from both sides after their arrival and identification”, while the influx of humanitarian aid and reconstruction continues.
Finally, Egypt, Qatar, Turkey, Russia and the UN. The guarantors did not include the United States.
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