Baghdad: A draft document of a “possible agreement” between Hamas and Israel, prepared by US Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff, revealed that the US, Egypt, and Qatar will guarantee the continuation of the ceasefire for 60 days and any possible extension. The document outlines a detailed plan to facilitate a temporary ceasefire, the release of detainees, and the distribution of humanitarian aid.
According to National Iraqi News Agency, the document states that US President Donald Trump will guarantee Israel’s compliance. It stipulates that Hamas will release 10 living detainees and the bodies of 18 on specific days, while aid will be sent to Gaza immediately upon Hamas’s agreement to the ceasefire. The document further details that all Israeli military activities will be documented upon the agreement’s entry into force.
On the first day of the truce, negotiations will commence regarding arrangements for a permanent ceasefire. By the tenth day, Hamas is expected to provide full information on all remaining prisoners. Aid distribution will be managed by the United Nations and the Red Crescent, with the prisoner release occurring without public demonstrations or celebrations.
The Witkoff document highlights a phased redeployment of IDF forces, beginning on the first day after the release of hostages. This redeployment will occur in the northern part of the Gaza Strip and the Netzarim corridor, followed by the southern part after the seventh day. Technical teams will clarify final redeployment boundaries during proximity negotiations.
Negotiations under the auspices of the Guarantor Mediators will address a permanent ceasefire, including the exchange of hostages and prisoners, Israeli forces’ redeployment, and long-term security arrangements within the Gaza Strip. President Trump is committed to ensuring the parties adhere to the ceasefire agreement and aims for a permanent conflict resolution.
The document also addresses the release of Palestinian prisoners, with 125 life-sentenced prisoners and 1,111 detainees from Gaza to be released after October 7, 2023. The release of 180 bodies of martyrs from Gaza is also planned. Implementation will occur in two phases, with the first half on the first day and the remainder on the seventh day.
For the status of hostages and prisoners, Hamas is tasked with providing full medical information on the remaining hostages by the tenth day, while Israel will reciprocate with information on Palestinian detainees. The safety of hostages during the ceasefire will be ensured by Hamas.
If a permanent ceasefire agreement is reached within the 60-day period, all remaining hostages from the specified list will be released. If not, the temporary ceasefire may be extended, with terms agreed upon in good faith negotiations.
The Guarantors, including the United States, Egypt, and Qatar, will oversee the ceasefire’s continuation and participate in permanent arrangement negotiations. US Ambassador Steve Witkoff will serve as the Special Envoy overseeing negotiations. President Trump will personally announce the ceasefire agreement, underlining the United States’ commitment to achieving a final agreement.