The ceasefire agreement between Hamas and Israel, which the latter is supposed to approve Sunday, is based on the 2014 agreement that was signed in Egypt between Israel and Palestinian factions, informed Palestinian sources told Asharq Al-Awsat.
The sources stressed that the agreement will allow Qatari fuel and salaries into Gaza in exchange for restoring calm in the coastal enclave.
The agreement is preliminary and temporary, sources noted, until a reconciliation deal is brokered between the Fatah and Haman movements, after which a formal and long-term truce will be signed.
The awaited agreement includes a deal on the fate of Israeli soldiers and citizens held by Hamas, allows the reconstruction of Gaza and the full opening of all its crossing borders.
Both parties agreed to stop the marches of return along the Gaza border with Israel, as well as attacks, including incendiary balloons, in return for the continued operation of the Rafah crossing for citizens and Kerem Shalom for goods. The fishing area will be extended to nine miles, and 12 nautical miles if the calm continues, the sources explained.
The agreement also allows the continued import of industrial fuel to the Gaza power station and transfer of Qatar’s national grant funds to pay salaries for Hamas employees until a reconciliation is achieved (within six months), provided that the transfer of funds shall be subject to a security control mechanism.
The parties also said that if the agreement lasts, it will be possible to implement humanitarian projects in the Strip.
Deputy Hamas Chief in Gaza Khalil al-Hayya suggested efforts to achieve a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas had been making progress.
“Their success is becoming visible in the horizon,” he said, referring to the efforts to conclude a ceasefire.
"We are watching those promises to our people just as you are, the mediators are following up and the occupation is being tested,” he added.
Israel is expected to address the issue during a cabinets session set for later on Sunday.
.jpg?w=600)
