WASHINGTON — President Joe Biden announced Friday that Israel has proposed a three-part plan that would ultimately lead to a permanent cease-fire in the Gaza Strip, as well as the release of all hostages who have been held there for the last eight months.
Speaking from the White House, Biden said that the proposal comes after intensive diplomacy carried out by his team. The plan has been relayed to Hamas via Qatar, one of the main mediators in negotiations.
The plan’s first phase would start with six weeks of a full and complete cease-fire, including the withdrawal of Israeli forces from populated areas of Gaza, and the release of women and children hostages, Biden said. This initial stage would also include a surge of humanitarian assistance, with 600 trucks carrying aid into Gaza every day.
Biden said that in that first phase, Israel and Hamas would negotiate a permanent ceasefire and admitted that there could be major hurdles.
“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.
The president said that phase two wouldn’t begin until all agreements are reached. That second stage would involve the release of all living hostages in exchange for Palestinians imprisoned in Israel.
The final phase would be the start of a major reconstruction plan in Gaza and any final remains of hostages would be returned to their families.
“I’ve urged the leadership in Israel to standby behind this deal, regardless of whatever [political] pressure comes,” Biden said.
