President Joe Biden announced on Friday that Israel has proposed a three-part plan aimed at ending the ongoing conflict in Gaza, leading to a permanent ceasefire and the release of hostages who have been held for the past eight months.
Speaking from the White House, Biden revealed that this proposal comes after extensive diplomatic efforts by his team. The plan has been communicated to Hamas through Qatar, a key mediator in the negotiations.
The first phase of the plan involves a six-week complete ceasefire, during which Israeli forces would withdraw from populated areas of Gaza. In return, women and children hostages would be released, Biden stated. This phase also includes a significant increase in humanitarian aid, with 600 trucks carrying assistance into Gaza daily.
Biden acknowledged the potential challenges in moving from the initial phase to the next. “I’ll be honest with you, there are a number of things to be negotiated to move from phase one to phase two,” he said.
Phase two, according to Biden, would not commence until all necessary agreements are secured. This stage involves the release of all living hostages in exchange for Palestinians imprisoned in Israel.
The final phase focuses on the commencement of a substantial reconstruction plan in Gaza, along with the return of any remaining hostages’ remains to their families.
“I’ve urged the leadership in Israel to stand behind this deal, regardless of whatever [political] pressure comes,” Biden emphasized.
Source: NBC
