In a bid to halt the prolonged and devastating conflict in Gaza, US President Joe Biden has put forth a new three-phase ceasefire proposal, backed by Israel, to bring about an enduring peace between Israel and Hamas. The first phase of this comprehensive plan calls for a six-week ceasefire, during which Israeli forces will withdraw from densely populated areas in Gaza, and a group of hostages, including women, the elderly, and the wounded, will be released. The second phase will see the release of all remaining hostages, including male soldiers, and the complete withdrawal of Israeli forces from the Gaza Strip. The third and final phase is centered on a major reconstruction project in Gaza, which will be supported by the US and the international community, focusing on rebuilding homes, schools, and hospitals over a three-to-five-year period.President Biden has urged both Israel and Hamas to embrace this opportunity, emphasizing that an indefinite war will not bring security or prosperity to either side. The plan has been transmitted to Hamas through Qatar, but Hamas has yet to respond. The international community has expressed support for the proposal as a step towards a durable peace in the Middle East. The conflict, which began eight months ago, has led to the deaths of over 36,000 people and the displacement of over one million others in Gaza. This ceasefire proposal represents a pivotal moment in the quest for peace and the reconstruction of a war-torn region.
Key points
- President Joe Biden announces a new three-phase ceasefire proposal to end the conflict between Israel and Hamas.
- The plan includes a six-week ceasefire, a full withdrawal of Israeli forces, the release of hostages, and a reconstruction phase for Gaza.
- The international community supports the proposal, but Hamas has not yet responded.
Contradictionsđź‘ľWhile the plan has been accepted by Israel, Hamas has not given a definitive response, and previous negotiations have failed due to disagreements over a permanent end to the war.
