What Is Israel's New Proposal to End the Gaza War?

What Is Israel's New Proposal to End the Gaza War?

U.S. President Joe Biden has urged the Palestinian armed group Hamas to accept an Israeli proposal to end the Gaza war, stating that it is time for the conflict to end, according to a BBC report.

The BBC reports that the proposal consists of three phases, beginning with a six-week ceasefire during which the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) will withdraw their troops from populated areas in Gaza.

Yesterday, Friday, Biden told reporters at the White House that the first phase of the proposal includes the opportunity for a complete and total ceasefire. This phase also involves the release of hostages by Hamas and the withdrawal of the IDF from densely populated areas.

The U.S. President emphasized that this is a genuine final decision. He noted that Hamas has claimed it wants a ceasefire, and now they have the chance to prove it. Biden added that a ceasefire would allow for more humanitarian aid to enter Gaza.

According to the BBC, during the ceasefire, Hamas will release a specific number of hostages, including women, elderly individuals, and the injured.

In exchange, several hundred people imprisoned in Israel will be released. Additionally, the bodies of those who died while being held hostage by Hamas will be returned to their families.

In the second phase, Hamas will release the remaining hostages, including male soldiers. Following this, the ceasefire will be elevated to a "permanent cessation of hostilities."

The third phase of the proposal outlines the completion of the hostage return process and the implementation of a significant "reconstruction plan" for Gaza. This plan, supported by U.S. and international aid, will involve the rebuilding of homes, schools, and hospitals in the Gaza Strip.

Since October of last year, the war between Israel and Hamas has resulted in over 36,000 deaths in Gaza, with nearly 100,000 people injured.