United States President Joe Biden on Friday announced that Israel had proposed a three-phase ceasefire deal to the Palestinian militant group Hamas, according to the Associated Press. This announcement comes after months of intense conflict following Hamas' attack on southern Israel on October 7, which resulted in 1,200 deaths and over 200 hostages being taken. Al Jazeera reports that about 100 of these hostages are believed to be alive in Gaza.
The conflict has since escalated, with Israel conducting extensive air and ground strikes on Gaza, leading to the deaths of at least 36,700 people, including over 15,000 children. During a White House press conference, Biden stated that Hamas is “no longer capable” of launching another large-scale attack on Israel. He introduced the proposal as a “road map to an enduring ceasefire and the release of all hostages.”
Phase One:
The first phase, lasting six weeks, involves a "full and complete ceasefire" and the withdrawal of Israeli forces from populated areas of Gaza. This phase will also facilitate the delivery of humanitarian assistance, with 600 trucks allowed into Gaza daily. Hostages, including women, the elderly, and the wounded, will be released in exchange for hundreds of Palestinian prisoners. Biden highlighted that American hostages would be released during this phase.
Phase Two:
In the second phase, the remaining hostages, including male soldiers, will be released, and Israeli troops will withdraw from Gaza. During this phase, Hamas and Israel will negotiate the terms of a permanent end to hostilities, with the ceasefire continuing as long as negotiations proceed.
Phase Three:
The third phase focuses on the reconstruction of Gaza.
Following Biden’s announcement, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office confirmed that he had authorized negotiations for the release of the remaining hostages, with a commitment to follow the “exact outline” proposed by Israel. However, Israel stated that the war would continue until all its goals, including the elimination of Hamas’ military and governmental capabilities, are achieved.
Hamas responded positively to Biden’s statement, expressing willingness to engage constructively if Israel explicitly commits to the proposal.
This development follows recent Israeli airstrikes on a camp for displaced Palestinians in Rafah city, which killed at least 45 people. Despite global outrage, Israel has continued its operations in Gaza, disregarding calls to halt the offensive. India, among other nations, has expressed deep concern over the loss of lives and reiterated its support for a two-state solution, advocating for a sovereign and independent Palestine living peacefully alongside Israel.
