US President Joe Biden has called on Hamas to accept a new Israeli proposal aimed at ending the conflict in Gaza, stating that “it’s time for this war to end.”
The proposed plan consists of three parts, starting with a six-week ceasefire during which the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) would withdraw from populated areas of Gaza.
Additionally, there would be a significant increase in humanitarian aid and an exchange of some hostages for Palestinian prisoners.
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The plan aims to lead to a permanent cessation of hostilities and a substantial reconstruction effort for Gaza.
Hamas has responded to the proposal positively. Speaking at the White House on Friday, Biden outlined the first phase of the plan, which includes a complete ceasefire, the withdrawal of IDF forces, and the exchange of hostages for Palestinian prisoners.
He emphasized that this is a crucial moment and an opportunity for Hamas to prove its commitment to a ceasefire. The ceasefire would facilitate the delivery of humanitarian aid, with 600 trucks entering Gaza daily.
The second phase involves returning all remaining hostages, including soldiers, and transitioning the ceasefire into a permanent cessation of hostilities. UK Foreign Secretary David Cameron and UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres have both urged Hamas to accept the deal, highlighting the importance of seizing this moment to end the conflict and alleviate suffering in Gaza.
Biden acknowledged the difficulties in negotiating between phases but stressed the significance of this opportunity. Despite Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s initial opposition to ending the war through a ceasefire, the US president’s call for a permanent ceasefire represents a significant concession to bring Hamas back to the negotiating table. A permanent ceasefire has been a key demand for Hamas.
The third phase of the proposal includes the return of deceased Israeli hostages’ remains and a major reconstruction plan for Gaza, supported by US and international assistance to rebuild essential infrastructure. Biden addressed potential opposition from within Israel, urging Israeli leadership to support the deal despite political pressures.
Hamas has expressed a willingness to engage positively with the proposal, provided Israel commits to a permanent ceasefire. A Palestinian official involved in the negotiations noted that the new proposal did not guarantee an end to the war or complete IDF withdrawal from Gaza. The proposal has been communicated to Hamas through mediators in Qatar.
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has been reaching out to counterparts in Jordan, Saudi Arabia, and Turkey to garner broader support for the proposal. Blinken emphasized that Hamas should accept the deal and encouraged countries with ties to Hamas to press for its acceptance.
Facing increasing civilian casualties in Gaza, Biden has encountered growing domestic criticism regarding US support for Israel and calls for more efforts to encourage negotiations. The White House recently stated that it does not view Israeli operations in Rafah as a major ground operation that would alter US policy, despite an airstrike that killed at least 45 Palestinians.
In a separate announcement, US lawmakers invited Netanyahu to address Congress, though the timing remains uncertain. The conflict, which began in October with a Hamas attack that killed approximately 1,200 people and resulted in 252 hostages taken to Gaza, has claimed over 36,000 lives in Gaza, according to the Hamas-run health ministry.
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