Hamas proposes three-stage ceasefire over 135 days, leading to end of war

Palestinians wounded in Israeli bombardment receive treatment in a hospital t in Rafah, Gaza Strip, Monday, Feb. 5, 2024. (AP Photo/Hatem Ali)

Hamas has proposed a ceasefire plan that would quiet the guns in Gaza for four-and-a-half months leading to an end to the war, in response to a proposal sent last week by Qatari and Egyptian mediators and backed by the United States and Israel.

According to a draft document seen by Reuters, the Hamas counterproposal envisions three phases lasting 45 days each.