‘War must stop’: Biden presents new Israel plan for ceasefire

In a speech from the White House, US President Joe Biden presented a new Israeli plan for a ceasefire in Gaza, in exchange for the release of all hostages by Hamas.

According to Biden, the terrorist organization Hamas is “no longer capable” of carrying out an attack on Israel, as it did last October. He said that it is now time for Hamas and Israel to agree to a deal for a ceasefire. “Israel has made a proposal, and Hamas has said it wants a ceasefire. This deal is an opportunity for them to prove that they really mean it.”

“This is a decisive moment,” Biden said:

Several proposals for a ceasefire have failed in recent months, due to objections from both sides.

Biden now referred to a plan that was recently presented by Israel to Hamas, via Qatari negotiators. It is to be implemented in three phases.

The first phase will see a six-week interim ceasefire maintained by Israel, which will also withdraw its troops from populated areas of Gaza. Hamas will release a number of hostages, including women, wounded and senior citizens. It will also see 600 trucks carrying aid enter Gaza daily, and Gazan civilians will return to their homes.

Phase 2 of the plan will see Israeli troops leave Gaza altogether, the interim ceasefire upgraded to a “permanent end to fighting,” and all remaining hostages, including men and soldiers, released by Hamas.

Phase 3 will see the start of reconstruction of Gaza, with help from the US and other countries. In this phase, the remains of deceased hostages will also be transferred by Hamas to Israel.

‘Take a step back’

It will be a difficult task to implement all three phases, Biden acknowledges. The step from phase 1 to 2 in particular will still mean difficult negotiations, under the guidance of the US and Qatar, according to the president.

In addition to calling on Hamas to agree to the proposal, Biden also called on the Israeli government to stand firm and stick to its own deal, despite possible resistance from society and even from some members of the government. “I ask you to take a step back and consider what happens if this moment is lost. It is time to stop this war.”