Palestinian sources told the Saudi news channel Asharq on Tuesday that current discussions regarding a ceasefire and hostage deal have reached an advanced, "almost final" stage, particularly those taking place in Qatar.
According to the report, Qatari and Egyptian mediators are working with Israeli and Hamas technical teams to finalize details of the hostage deal and ceasefire through agreed-upon implementation mechanisms that will be under international supervision.
The sources said the agreement between the parties would be executed in three phases. The first phase would be a "humanitarian stage" including additional supply deliveries to the Gaza Strip and the release of all Israeli female hostages, including female soldiers, as well as civilian hostages.
Furthermore, according to the report, the agreement would conclude in its final stage with a permanent ceasefire and complete Israel Defense Forces withdrawal from the Gaza Strip, including the Philadelphi Route and Netzarim Route. Asharq noted that the IDF would maintain six points in Gaza during the first two phases. Gaza's rebuilding efforts would begin afterward.
According to the report, the first two phases would include the release of hostages in exchange for hundreds of prisoners. The ceasefire would likely be gradual, spread across three phases. It was also noted that the first phase would last six weeks. During this phase, it was reported that IDF forces would withdraw from part of the Philadelphi Route to the eastern side of the Rafah crossing. A partial withdrawal from the Netzarim Route and Gaza population centers was also reported.
Additionally, it was reported that under the agreement, Gaza residents would be allowed to return to Gaza City and northern Gaza Strip under a military supervision mechanism intended to ensure Hamas operatives do not enter the area.
Reports emerged during the day that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was heading to Cairo for talks about the developing deal, though his office denied these reports. Meanwhile, Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas was invited for talks in Cairo to discuss developments in the contacts and new arrangements taking shape in the region.
