Egypt proposes sweeping plan for Gaza War ceasefire plan

Palestinians inspect the damage at the Al-Maghazi refugee camp after an overnight Israeli strike on December 25, 2023, amid ongoing battles between Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas. (Photo by Mahmud HAMS / AFP) (Photo by MAHMUD HAMS/AFP via Getty Images)

Cairo has put forth a plan that would seek an end to the Israel-Hamas war that a senior Egyptian official and a European diplomat admitted to the Associated Press would prove ambitious.

Egypt devised the plan with input from Qatar, which would also participate in the plan’s execution. Both countries would coordinate with all Palestinian factions, including Hamas, to establish a government of experts, the anonymous Egyptian official said

.The plan includes a phased hostage “all-for-all” release and the creation of a Palestinian government to administer the Gaza Strip and West Bank that would follow a ceasefire.

Close to 8,000 Palestinians remain in Israeli custody on security-related charges or convictions, Palestinian officials have claimed.

Israel would also have to withdraw from Gaza, which would coincide with Hamas and Islamic Jihad ending their attacks on Israel.