Sources familiar with the Hamas movement's talks in Cairo reported to the Saudi Al-Sharq TV channel that the movement's delegation returned to Qatar to consult with the Political Bureau regarding the initiative proposed by Egypt, which includes three stages of a ceasefire between Israel and the Palestinian factions in the Gaza Strip.

The sources explained that the head of the movement’s political bureau, Ismail Haniyeh, arrived in Doha after the end of the 4-day talks in Cairo, indicating that “Hamas” will study, within the framework of its political bureau, the Egyptian initiative paper that it received in Egypt for a ceasefire.

A Hamas delegation led by Haniyeh arrived in the Egyptian capital, Cairo, last Wednesday, to discuss the issue of prisoners and files related to the Gaza Strip, such as relief aid, reconstruction, and what the sources described as “ending the division.”

Stages of a ceasefire

The first stage

The first phase includes the start of a humanitarian truce for two weeks, which can be extended for two or three weeks, during which Hamas releases 40 Israeli detainees, women and children (under 18 years old), and elderly males, especially the sick.

In return, Israel releases 120 Palestinian prisoners of the same two categories, during which hostilities cease, tanks withdraw, and food and medical aid, fuel and cooking gas flow to the Gaza Strip.

The second phase

Establishing a Palestinian national dialogue under Egyptian sponsorship with the aim of “ending the division,” and forming a government of technocrats (independents) that will supervise humanitarian relief issues, the Gaza Strip reconstruction file, and paving the way for Palestinian general and presidential elections.

Third level

A complete and comprehensive ceasefire, and a comprehensive prisoner exchange deal that includes all Israeli soldiers with Hamas, the Islamic Jihad movement, and other factions, during which an agreement will be reached on the number of Palestinian prisoners that Israel will release, including those with high convictions, and those who were arrested by Israel after October 7th.

The final stage includes an Israeli withdrawal from the cities of the Gaza Strip, and enabling the displaced to return to their areas in Gaza and the northern Strip.

"Technocratic" government

Informed sources reported to Al-Sharq TV that Egypt presented an initiative to the Palestinian forces to form a “technocratic” government after the end of the war in Gaza, to take over the administration of the West Bank and the Gaza Strip, in addition to the tasks of reconstruction and shelter, noting that the “Hamas” movement expressed its approval for this suggestion.

The sources indicated that it is expected that “Egypt will re-launch a Palestinian national dialogue after the formation of the government and not before it,” explaining that “Cairo realizes that launching a Palestinian-Palestinian dialogue now may face obstacles and disagreements regarding programs, quotas, etc., which may delay the launch of the reconstruction and relief process in the Gaza Strip.”

Hamas showed some flexibility regarding the management of Gaza after the war, and a movement official told Al-Sharq last November that Hamas prefers to form a Palestinian “technocratic” government capable of handling the huge responsibilities required to provide relief to the people of Gaza and rebuild the Strip. He added that such a government must be formed by national consensus.