Key Points from the New Witkoff Framework for Hostage Exchange and Ceasefire
A newly published document by Al-Arabiya highlights the essential elements of the Witkoff framework aimed at facilitating a hostage exchange and achieving a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas. This American-proposed plan outlines agreements on the release of hostages, a 60-day ceasefire in Gaza, and a personal declaration from President Trump endorsing the ceasefire and ongoing negotiations.
Framework Overview
Duration of Ceasefire
According to the document, the proposed ceasefire will last for 60 days, during which Israeli military activities and movement of military aircraft in the Gaza Strip will be significantly limited. Specifically, such activities will be halted for 10 hours a day, or 12 hours on days when hostages are set to be released.
Hostage Release
As part of the framework, it is anticipated that 10 living Israeli hostages and 18 deceased hostages will be released. The document specifies that half of the hostages (five living and nine deceased) will be released on the first day of the agreement, with the remaining hostages released on the seventh day.
Humanitarian Aid
The framework includes provisions for immediate humanitarian aid to Gaza upon Hamas’s approval of the ceasefire agreement. All agreements related to civilian aid are to be honored during the ceasefire period, with aid distributed through channels such as the UN and the Red Crescent.
Military Operations and Redeployment
Israeli Defense Forces
The document outlines a phased redeployment of the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF). After the initial release of hostages, the IDF will reposition its forces in northern Gaza and along the Nitzan corridor on the first day, while another redeployment to southern Gaza will occur on the seventh day, following the second round of hostages’ release.
Negotiation Terms
Negotiations regarding long-term security arrangements are expected to commence on the first day of the ceasefire under the guidance of mediators. The permanent ceasefire agreement will incorporate key terms for the release of all remaining Israeli hostages and the agreed release of a specified number of Palestinian prisstartrs.
International Support
President Trump will provide personal support for the ceasefire agreement and will strive for a permanent resolution to the conflict. If an agreement is reached, the President will mandate an end to hostilities from both sides.
Additional Considerations
Information Exchange
On the tenth day of the agreement, Hamas is expected to provide comprehensive health information on the hostages, while Israel will reciprocate by sharing information on Palestinian detainees captured after October 7 and details on Gazan casualties whose bodies are in Israeli custody.
Future Negotiations
Should the negotiations for a permanent ceasefire not be completed within the stipulated 60 days, the temporary ceasefire can be extended by mutual consent.
Guarantees from Mediators
Mediators, particularly the United States, Egypt, and Qatar, will ensure the compliance with the ceasefire during the initial 60-day period, and will facilitate substantial negotiations regarding the necessary arrangements for a lasting ceasefire.
The special envoy Steve Witkoff is anticipated to arrive in the region to finalize the agreement and oversee negotiations. President Trump is expected to make a personal announcement regarding the ceasefire agreement.
This framework represents a significant effort to mediate a complex situation, aiming for both immediate relief through hostage exchanges and the establishment of a longer-term peace agreement