(Scypre.com) – US President Joe Biden has announced that Israel has proposed a ceasefire in exchange for the release of hostages, urging Hamas to accept the offer as the best way to end the ongoing conflict in Gaza. The conflict, which began eight months ago, has been marred by failed peace talks mediated by Egypt, Qatar, and others, with both sides blaming each other for the lack of progress.
The new proposal outlined by Biden consists of three phases. The first phase would involve a six-week ceasefire, during which Israeli forces would withdraw from Gaza, and hundreds of hostages, including the elderly and women, would be exchanged for Palestinian prisoners. Additionally, Palestinian civilians would be allowed to return to Gaza, including the northern region, and 600 trucks carrying humanitarian aid would be permitted to enter Gaza daily.
In the second phase, Hamas and Israel would negotiate the terms of a permanent end to hostilities, with the ceasefire remaining in place throughout the negotiations. The third phase would encompass a major reconstruction plan for Gaza.Biden revealed that the proposal has been relayed to Hamas by Qatar. The President called on those in Israel advocating for an indefinite war to reconsider their stance, urging leadership in Israel to support the deal despite potential opposition from within the government coalition.
Previous hostage proposals, including one earlier this year that called for the release of sick, elderly, and wounded hostages in exchange for a six-week ceasefire, have fallen apart due to disagreements between the parties involved. In response to the latest proposal, a senior Israeli security official stated that Israel would not agree to any halt in fighting without a deal that includes the return of surviving hostages.
The ongoing conflict has resulted in significant loss of life, with Palestinian health authorities estimating over 36,280 people killed in Gaza since Israel’s retaliatory attack in response to the Oct. 7 Hamas assault in southern Israel, which killed around 1,200 people according to Israeli tallies.