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Rabat – US President Joe Biden announced during a press conference at the White House today that Israel has agreed to a detailed proposal aimed at achieving a lasting ceasefire in the Gaza Strip.
The plan, which Biden described as a “roadmap to an enduring ceasefire,” outlines three phases.
The first phase is an immediate six-week cessation of hostilities and the withdrawal of Israeli forces from populated areas in Gaza. This phase is said to include a prisoner exchange, where captives held in Gaza, including women, the elderly, and American hostages, will be released in exchange for hundreds of Palestinian prisoners in Israel. In addition, humanitarian aid will be allowed to flow into Gaza to alleviate the dire shortages caused by the war.
“There are American hostages who would be released at this stage, and we want them home,” Biden said, noting that Qatar had conveyed the proposal to Hamas.
The second phase of the plan would include the release of all remaining hostages, the permanent withdrawal of Israeli forces, and a permanent cessation of hostilities.
Meanwhile, the third phase would focus on the reconstruction of war-torn Gaza and the return of the remains of any deceased captives.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office said in a statement that the government “is united in its desire to return the hostages as soon as possible and is working to achieve this goal.”
“The Prime Minister authorized the negotiating team to present a proposal to that end, which would also enable Israel to continue the war until all its objectives are achieved, including the destruction of Hamas’s military and governing capabilities,” the statement added.
Biden’s announcement comes as his administration faces widespread protests and criticism for its support of the Israeli offensive in Gaza, which has resulted in significant Palestinian casualties and humanitarian crises.
More than 36,000 Palestinians have been killed since the conflict began in early October last year, and the Israeli siege has led to severe shortages of food, water, and medical supplies in Gaza.
Despite skepticism about the feasibility of the proposal, Biden assured that the US, alongside Qatar and Egypt, would guarantee its implementation and work to maintain the ceasefire and negotiations.
