U.S. President Joe Biden has called on Hamas to accept a new Israeli proposal aimed at ending the ongoing conflict in Gaza, declaring, “It’s time for this war to end.” The three-part proposal includes a six-week ceasefire, humanitarian aid surge, and a prisoner exchange, eventually leading to a permanent cessation of hostilities and a comprehensive reconstruction plan for Gaza.
Speaking from the White House on Friday, President Biden stressed the significance of the first phase of the plan, which entails a “full and complete ceasefire,” withdrawal of Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) from populated areas, and an exchange of hostages for Palestinian prisoners. He noted, “This is truly a decisive moment. Hamas says it wants a ceasefire. This deal is an opportunity to prove whether they really mean it.”
The proposed ceasefire aims to facilitate the delivery of humanitarian aid, with plans for 600 trucks carrying aid into Gaza daily. The second phase focuses on the release of all remaining hostages, including male soldiers, transitioning the ceasefire into a permanent cessation of hostilities.
UK Foreign Secretary David Cameron and UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres have also voiced their support for the proposal. Cameron stated on X, formerly known as Twitter, that Hamas “must accept this deal so we can see a stop in the fighting,” while Guterres stressed the urgent need to halt the suffering and destruction in Gaza, welcoming Biden’s initiative and urging all parties to seize this opportunity for lasting peace.
President Biden acknowledged the challenges ahead, particularly in negotiations between the first and second phases. He pointed out Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s recent firm stance against ending the war through a ceasefire, highlighting the significance of Biden’s call for an end to the conflict.
The final phase of the proposal involves returning the remains of deceased Israeli hostages and initiating a major reconstruction plan for Gaza with U.S. and international assistance to rebuild essential infrastructure.
While some Israeli officials and citizens may oppose the proposal, President Biden urged Israel’s leadership to support the deal, emphasizing the importance of seizing the moment. He also indicated that Hamas has been weakened to the point where it cannot replicate its previous attacks on Israel, signaling Washington’s view that the war should end.
Prime Minister Netanyahu, however, reiterated that the war would not conclude until Israel’s objectives, including the return of all hostages and the elimination of Hamas’ military capabilities, are achieved. Nonetheless, Hamas has expressed a positive view of the proposal, particularly its call for a permanent ceasefire, IDF withdrawal from Gaza, reconstruction efforts, and prisoner exchange.
The proposal, mediated through Qatar, does not guarantee a complete end to the war or a full IDF withdrawal from Gaza, according to a Palestinian official familiar with the negotiations. Meanwhile, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken has been engaging with Jordan, Saudi Arabia, and Turkey to garner broader support for the proposal, urging nations with ties to Hamas to press the group to accept the deal without delay.
President Biden faces increasing domestic pressure over U.S. support for Israel amid rising civilian casualties in Gaza. However, the White House maintains that Israeli operations in Rafah do not constitute a “major ground operation” that could alter U.S. policy. This statement followed an Israeli air strike that killed at least 45 Palestinians.
In a related development, U.S. lawmakers from both parties have invited Prime Minister Netanyahu to address Congress, though the date remains uncertain.
The conflict, which began in October with a deadly Hamas attack on Israel, has resulted in over 36,000 deaths across Gaza, according to the Hamas-run health ministry.
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