President Joe Biden has urged Hamas to accept a new Israeli proposal to end the ongoing conflict in Gaza, declaring that “it’s time for this war to end.”
This proposal, structured in three parts, begins with a six-week ceasefire during which the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) would withdraw from populated areas of Gaza. Additionally, there would be a substantial increase in humanitarian aid and an exchange of some hostages for Palestinian prisoners. The ultimate goal is a permanent cessation of hostilities and a major reconstruction plan for Gaza.
Hamas has responded positively to the proposal. Speaking at the White House on Friday, President Biden emphasized that the first phase involves a “full and complete ceasefire,” the withdrawal of IDF forces, and the exchange of hostages for Palestinian prisoners. He stated, “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 ceasefire would enable 600 trucks carrying aid to enter Gaza daily.
The second phase would ensure the release of all remaining hostages, including male soldiers. This would then transition into a permanent cessation of hostilities. UK Foreign Secretary David Cameron also urged Hamas to accept the proposal, emphasizing that it could lead to lasting peace. UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres echoed this sentiment, welcoming President Biden’s initiative and calling for a ceasefire, the release of hostages, and guaranteed unhindered humanitarian access.
Biden acknowledged the challenges in negotiating between the first and second phases. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had recently expressed strong opposition to ending the war as part of a ceasefire deal, making Biden’s call for an end to the war particularly notable. The proposal includes elements from previous negotiations, with the permanent ceasefire being a significant concession aimed at bringing Hamas back to the table. A permanent ceasefire has been one of Hamas’ key demands.
In the third phase, any deceased Israeli hostages would be returned, and a major reconstruction plan for Gaza would be initiated, with US and international assistance to rebuild homes, schools, and hospitals. Biden noted that some Israelis, including government officials, might oppose the proposal but urged Israeli leadership to support it regardless of political pressure. Addressing the Israeli public, he stressed the importance of seizing this moment.
Biden indicated that Hamas had been significantly degraded, making a repeat of their October 7 attack unlikely. This signaled to Israel that Washington views the war as effectively over. Prime Minister Netanyahu, however, maintained that the war would not end until all hostages were returned and Hamas’ military and governing capabilities were eliminated. He stated that the plan aligns with Israel’s principles.
Hamas appreciated the proposal for its call for a permanent ceasefire, IDF withdrawal from Gaza, reconstruction, and prisoner exchange. They expressed readiness to engage positively, provided Israel commits explicitly to a permanent ceasefire. A Palestinian official involved in the negotiations noted that the Israeli proposal lacked a guarantee to end the war or a complete withdrawal of IDF troops from Gaza. The proposal was communicated to Hamas through mediators in Qatar.
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken contacted officials in Jordan, Saudi Arabia, and Turkey to garner broader support for the proposal. He emphasized that Hamas should accept the deal and urged countries with ties to Hamas to press for its acceptance without delay, according to State Department spokesman Matthew Miller.
Facing increasing civilian casualties in Gaza, President Biden has encountered growing domestic criticism over the level of US support for Israel and calls to encourage negotiations. Earlier in the week, the White House stated that Israeli operations in Rafah did not constitute a “major ground operation” that could trigger a change in US policy, following an Israeli airstrike that killed at least 45 Palestinians.
US lawmakers have invited Prime Minister Netanyahu to address Congress in Washington, though the timing of this address is not yet clear. Since the conflict began in October, sparked by a Hamas attack that killed about 1,200 people and took 252 hostages, more than 36,000 people have been killed in Gaza, according to the Hamas-run health ministry.