How did Hamas respond to the proposed Gaza ceasefire deal?

Hamas has responded to a ceasefire proposal submitted last week by mediators Qatar and Egypt, and backed by the US, with a detailed framework for a new ceasefire and hostage release deal with Israel.

According to a draft seen by Al Jazeera, the Hamas counterproposal envisions three phases lasting 45 days each. It would see the release of remaining Israeli captives held in Gaza and a handover of the bodies of those dead.

Hamas wants ceasefire negotiations to be completed before the start of the second phase as well as the full withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza and the start of a reconstruction process in the enclave, which was flattened by Israel's relentless bombing campaign.

It added to the proposal a detailed plan outlining the steps for implementing the first stage of the agreement, and stipulated that it be part of it.

According to the counterproposal, all Israeli women hostages, males under 19, the elderly and sick would be released during the first 45-day phase in exchange for the release of 1,500 Palestinian detainees, including those with life sentences, as well as all Palestinian women, children and the elderly held in Israeli jails.

The first phase will also see a minimum of 500 trucks entering the enclave, carrying aid and fuel to all areas in Gaza, according to the proposal.

The first stage will also see the return of displaced Palestinians to their homes, ensuring freedom of movement between northern and southern Gaza and the opening of crossings.

Hamas's counterproposal included the entry of at least 60,000 temporary housing units and 200,000 shelter tents into Gaza during the first phase, as well as adopting a plan for the reconstruction of houses and public facilities which were destroyed by Israel.

Hamas also called for an end to Jewish settlers' raids on the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound in Jerusalem.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said at a press conference in Doha on Tuesday that he would study Hamas’s response with Israeli officials during his visit to Tel Aviv on Wednesday.

Israel's war on Gaza has killed over 27,000 people - mostly women and children - and wounded more than 66,000 others.