In a significant development aimed at achieving long-term peace in the Gaza Strip, Egypt and Qatar have proposed a new agreement that includes a ceasefire lasting between five to seven years. This proposal, which is seen as one of the most ambitious efforts to date to stabilize the region, seeks to address the ongoing conflict between Israeli forces and Palestinian groups.
The Egyptian-Qatari initiative includes several key points designed to lay the groundwork for lasting peace. Among these is a complete exchange of prisoners, where all Israeli hostages would be released in return for thousands of Palestinian prisoners currently held in Israeli jails. This exchange is viewed as a critical step towards rebuilding trust between the conflicting parties and reducing tensions.
Another significant aspect of the proposal is the gradual withdrawal of Israeli troops from the Gaza Strip. This move has been a long-standing demand from Palestinian representatives and is seen as essential for restoring Palestinian sovereignty in the region. Furthermore, the plan emphasizes that the peace process will not involve the forced displacement of Palestinians, ensuring that residents can remain in their homes during the transition to peace.
Despite the ambitious nature of the Egyptian-Qatari proposal, challenges remain. Israeli officials have expressed reservations about certain elements of the agreement, although specific details of their concerns have not been disclosed. According to Israeli media, negotiations are ongoing, with both sides working to bridge gaps in the proposal to reach a comprehensive agreement.
As reported by the Israeli news outlet “Kan,” high-level Egyptian sources confirmed that while Israel has shown some willingness to engage with the proposal, it has also maintained objections to four specific points. The Egyptian-Qatari mediation efforts are now focused on addressing these issues to facilitate a more robust and lasting agreement.
The backdrop to these negotiations is the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza, which has seen a staggering increase in casualties. The latest figures indicate that the number of Palestinian martyrs has risen to 51,266, with over 116,869 others injured due to the conflict. This dire situation has prompted calls for urgent humanitarian assistance, which has been hampered by ongoing military operations.
In a related development, Palestinian health officials announced the suspension of a polio vaccination campaign due to the ongoing Israeli blockade, which has prevented the entry of necessary vaccines into Gaza. This highlights the urgent need for a ceasefire to address the humanitarian needs of the population.
Adding to the complexity of the situation, the Israeli cabinet is set to meet to discuss military operations in Gaza, amid calls from some ministers to intensify these actions despite the ongoing negotiations for a ceasefire. The outcome of this meeting could significantly impact the trajectory of the peace talks.
Since the outbreak of hostilities following Hamas's Operation Al-Aqsa Flood on October 7, 2023, Egypt and Qatar have played crucial roles in mediating efforts to establish a ceasefire. Previous negotiations have led to temporary truces, including one in November 2023, where over 100 Israeli hostages were exchanged for Palestinian prisoners. More recently, a multi-phase ceasefire agreement was announced in January 2025, which involved the release of 33 Israeli hostages in exchange for around 2,000 Palestinian prisoners.
The current proposal aims to build on these previous agreements and establish a more durable peace framework. The seven-year ceasefire would mark a significant shift from the shorter truces that have characterized previous negotiations, potentially offering a pathway to a more stable future for both Israelis and Palestinians.
However, the road ahead is fraught with challenges. Key issues such as the disarmament of Hamas and the future security arrangements in Gaza remain contentious points that could derail progress. The Israeli government’s insistence on maintaining security control over certain areas, such as the Philadelphi route, adds another layer of complexity to the negotiations.
As both sides continue to grapple with these issues, the international community is closely watching the developments. There is a growing consensus that a sustainable peace agreement is not only essential for the well-being of those living in Gaza but also crucial for regional stability.
In conclusion, the Egyptian-Qatari proposal for a long-term ceasefire in Gaza represents a hopeful yet challenging step towards peace. With both sides expressing cautious interest in the negotiations, the coming days will be critical in determining whether this ambitious plan can overcome the deep-seated obstacles that have long plagued the region.
