Hamas submits Gaza peace proposal with five-year truce to mediators

Senior Hamas leader Abdul Rahman Shadid confirmed Friday that the movement had submitted a proposal to mediators for a comprehensive Gaza peace deal, which includes a five-year truce.

In a press statement, Shadid said the proposal was presented on April 17 and called for a permanent cessation of Israeli "aggression," a full withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza, the lifting of the blockade, the entry of humanitarian aid and the reconstruction of the enclave.

The proposal also includes an agreement for the release of all hostages in Gaza at once in exchange for an agreed number of Palestinian prisoners, a ceasefire lasting five years with regional and international guarantees, and the formation of an independent committee to manage Gaza, Shadid said.

He added that the proposed governing committee would be composed of independent technocrats with full authority and responsibilities, in line with Egypt's proposal for a community support committee. The committee would manage Gaza's affairs without direct political interference and ensure security and essential services for Palestinians during the transitional period.

However, Shadid said the Israeli government "rejected the movement's vision, insisted on dividing the issues and refused to commit to ending the war, adhering to policies of killing, starvation and destruction, even at the expense of the lives of its army prisoners held in Gaza."

On Monday, Israel's state-owned broadcaster Kan reported that Israel had "officially rejected" a proposal for a five-year truce with Hamas, under which all Israeli hostages held in Gaza would have been released.

On Thursday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said defeating Hamas remains Israel's main objective and takes precedence over securing the release of hostages.

Israel halted the entry of goods and supplies into Gaza on March 2, following the expiration of the first phase of a January ceasefire agreement with Hamas. The second phase has yet to be implemented due to a lack of consensus between the parties.

On March 18, Israel resumed military operations in the enclave. As of Thursday, at least 2,326 Palestinians had been killed and 6,050 others injured since Israel renewed its intensive strikes, according to Gaza-based health authorities.