Egypt's proposal of Friday 26 April implies a permanent ceasefire in 3 stages. In the first Israel would suspend the war effort in the Gaza Strip for 40 days and retreat from densely populated parts of the territory. Israel would besides take a break on reconnaissance flights over the Gaza Strip of 8 hours a day and at the time erstwhile the transport of the released hostages will be carried out. Civilians will be able to return to their homes at this time and humanitarian aid, including fuel, will be available. During the 40-day ceasefire, 33 civilian hostages would be released (more than 100 stay in Hamas' hands) in exchange for Israel's release of about 900 Palestinian prisoners. In the second phase, Israel's defence Force (Cahal) would retreat completely from the Gaza Strip in exchange for releasing the remaining hostages and handing over the bodies of those who died or were murdered in captivity. In the 3rd phase, the Gaza Strip would be rebuilt (as estimated by 2040), with US, Egypt and Qatar as guarantors of the ceasefire.
