seized the control of Gaza’s vital Rafah border crossing — the sole crossing between Egypt and southern Gaza — on Tuesday. The development came a day after Palestinian militant group Hamas had agreed to a three-phased deal for a ceasefire and hostages-for-prisoners swap. Israel rejected the deal, saying it was not acceptable because its terms had been “softened”.

COMPONENTS OF THE DEAL

PHASE 1:

  • A 42-day ceasefire, during which Hamas would free 33 Israeli hostages, alive or dead, in return for Israel releasing 30 children and women for each released Israeli hostage, based on lists provided by Hamas according to the earliest date of detention.
  • From the first day, entry of intensive and sufficient quantities of humanitarian aid, relief materials, and fuel would be allowed. A total 600 trucks per day, including 50 fuel trucks, of which 300 would be for northern Gaza would arrive.
  • Hamas would release three Israeli hostages on the third day of the agreement, and then release three more hostages every seven days, prioritising women if possible, including civilians and conscripts.
  • In the sixth week, Hamas would release all remaining civilian hostages covered by this phase. Israel would release the agreed number of Palestinian prisoners in Israeli prisons.
  • Israel would then partially withdraw troops from Gaza, and allow the free movement of Palestinians from south to north Gaza.
  • Cessation of military flights over the Gaza Strip would take place for 10 hours per day and 12 hours on the day of releasing the hostages and prisoners.
  • On the third day after releasing the first Palestinian prisoners, Israeli forces would completely withdraw from al-Rashid street in northern Gaza, and all military sites would be dismantled.
  • On the 22nd day of the first phase, Israeli forces would withdraw from the centre of the strip, east of Salah al-Din road to an area near the Israeli border.

PHASE TWO:

  • Another 42 days with an agreement to restore a “sustainable calm” in Gaza.
  • The complete withdrawal of most Israeli troops from Gaza.
  • Hamas would release Israeli reservists and some soldiers in return for Israel releasing Palestinians from jail.

PHASE THREE:

  • Completion of exchanging bodies.
  • Blockade of Gaza Strip would end.
  • Implementation of a 3-5-year plan for reconstruction of Gaza would start. Homes, civilian facilities, and infrastructure, would be rebuilt. Compensation would be given to all those affected, under the supervision of a number of countries and organisations including Egypt, Qatar, and the UN.