The three-phase plan includes a six-week ceasefire, hostage exchange, and Gaza reconstruction

In a significant diplomatic move, US President Joe Biden has put forward a comprehensive proposal aimed at ending the ongoing conflict in Gaza. The plan, revealed in a recent address at the White House, urges Hamas to accept a new Israeli proposal, emphasizing that “it’s time for this war to end.” The three-part proposal begins with a six-week ceasefire, during which the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) would withdraw from populated areas of Gaza. This phase also includes a surge in humanitarian aid and an exchange of some hostages for Palestinian prisoners. The second phase envisions the return of all living hostages and a transition to a permanent cessation of hostilities, while the final phase focuses on a major reconstruction plan for Gaza with international assistance. The proposal has garnered mixed reactions, with Hamas viewing it positively and key global figures, including UK Foreign Secretary David Cameron and UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, expressing support. However, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu remains firm on achieving all war objectives before ending the conflict. This plan represents a pivotal moment in the quest for peace in the region, aiming to address immediate humanitarian needs and lay the groundwork for long-term stability.

BBC:

The BBC article highlights US President Joe Biden‘s call for Hamas to accept a new Israeli proposal aimed at ending the conflict in Gaza. The proposal, unveiled at the White House, consists of three phases, beginning with a six-week ceasefire. During this period, the IDF would withdraw from populated areas of Gaza, and there would be a substantial increase in humanitarian aid, with 600 trucks carrying aid into Gaza daily. The second phase involves the release of all remaining hostages, including male soldiers, with the ceasefire evolving into a permanent cessation of hostilities. The final phase focuses on a comprehensive reconstruction plan for Gaza, supported by international assistance.

President Biden emphasized the urgency of this proposal, stating, “This is truly a decisive moment,” and urging Hamas to prove its commitment to peace. He acknowledged that negotiations between the phases would be challenging, particularly given Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s previous opposition to ending the war as part of a ceasefire deal. The proposal’s permanent ceasefire element marks a significant concession, aiming to draw Hamas back to negotiations.

The article notes support from various global leaders, including UK Foreign Secretary David Cameron and UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, who urged Hamas to seize the opportunity for peace. Biden’s remarks also addressed the Israeli people, urging them to support the deal despite potential political pressure. He assured that Hamas has been significantly weakened, reducing the threat of future attacks like the one on October 7.

While the plan includes many elements from previous failed negotiations, its call for a permanent ceasefire is a notable shift designed to bring Hamas to the table. Hamas responded positively, appreciating the focus on a permanent ceasefire, withdrawal of Israeli forces, reconstruction, and prisoner exchange. However, the proposal did not guarantee the end of the war or the complete withdrawal of IDF troops from Gaza, which remains a point of contention.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has reached out to counterparts in Jordan, Saudi Arabia, and Turkey to build broader support for the proposal. Amid increasing civilian casualties in Gaza, Biden faces domestic criticism for the level of US support for Israel, prompting calls for more proactive peace efforts.

The war, which began in October following a deadly Hamas attack on Israel, has resulted in significant casualties and humanitarian crises in Gaza. The BBC article underscores the complexities and challenges of negotiating peace in such a volatile and deeply entrenched conflict.

Sky News:

Sky News details President Biden’s announcement of a comprehensive ceasefire deal offered by Israel to Hamas, aimed at ending the Gaza conflict. The proposal, revealed during a surprise address at the White House, comprises three phases: a six-week ceasefire, the return of remaining hostages from Gaza, and a major reconstruction plan for Gaza. Biden emphasized the importance of seizing this moment for peace, urging both Hamas and Israeli leaders not to “lose this moment.”

The initial phase involves a six-week ceasefire during which Israel and Hamas would negotiate a permanent end to the fighting. If negotiations extend beyond six weeks, the ceasefire would continue until an agreement is reached. The second phase includes the release of remaining hostages and the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza. The final phase focuses on the reconstruction of Gaza, aiming to rebuild civilian areas devastated by the conflict.

Sky News correspondent Mark Stone describes the proposal as a significant diplomatic move, albeit a risky one for President Biden. He points out the challenge Biden faces in balancing support for Israel while addressing humanitarian concerns and criticism over the US’s stance on the conflict. Stone notes that while some Israeli officials may not fully support the proposal, it represents a strategic effort by the US to push for an end to the war.

Hamas responded positively to Biden’s proposal, expressing willingness to engage constructively if Israel commits to the outlined conditions. However, the group remains cautious, awaiting explicit commitments from Israel. The proposal comes amid ongoing Israeli military operations in Rafah, which have led to significant civilian casualties and global condemnation.

UK Foreign Secretary David Cameron also voiced support for the proposal, urging Hamas to accept the deal to halt the fighting and facilitate humanitarian aid. He highlighted the potential for turning a ceasefire into a permanent peace if all parties take the necessary steps.

Sky News emphasizes the urgency and complexity of the proposal, noting the potential impact on Biden’s political standing ahead of the upcoming US elections. The prolonged conflict and rising civilian toll in Gaza have fueled widespread protests and criticism of Biden’s support for Israel, making the proposal a critical test of his administration’s diplomatic strategy.

Al Jazeera:

Al Jazeera reports on President Joe Biden’s announcement of a new Israeli proposal for a lasting ceasefire in Gaza. Facing mounting criticism over his support for Israel’s military efforts, Biden outlined a three-phase plan designed to end the conflict. The first phase includes a six-week ceasefire, during which Israeli forces would withdraw from populated areas of Gaza, and humanitarian aid would flow into the region. This phase also involves the exchange of hostages, with Hamas expected to release captives, including women and the elderly, in return for Palestinian prisoners held in Israel.

Biden emphasized that the proposal, transmitted to Hamas through Qatari mediators, offers a roadmap to an enduring ceasefire. He called on Hamas to respond positively and constructively, highlighting the potential for a permanent cessation of hostilities and significant reconstruction efforts in Gaza. Hamas welcomed the proposal, particularly its focus on a permanent ceasefire, withdrawal of Israeli forces, and reconstruction.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office confirmed the submission of the proposal, which aligns with Israel’s objectives of securing the release of hostages and dismantling Hamas’s military capabilities. However, Netanyahu remains firm that the war will continue until all Israeli objectives are met, including the elimination of Hamas’s capacity to govern and wage war.

Al Jazeera highlights the intense pressure on Biden, both domestically and internationally, to address the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. The conflict has resulted in over 36,000 Palestinian deaths and widespread displacement. The ongoing Israeli siege has exacerbated shortages of essential supplies, prompting warnings of famine.

As Biden faces criticism for his staunch support of Israel, his proposal represents a significant diplomatic effort to shift the focus towards peace and reconstruction. Despite the challenges, Biden’s call for an enduring ceasefire marks a critical moment in the efforts to resolve the conflict and address the humanitarian needs in Gaza.

NDTV:

NDTV focuses on Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s insistence on continuing the Gaza war until Hamas’s military and governmental capabilities are eliminated, despite President Biden’s new peace proposal. Netanyahu’s office confirmed that the negotiating team presented an outline to secure the return of hostages while maintaining Israel’s principles.

Biden’s proposal, outlined in a major address from the White House, starts with a six-week ceasefire during which Israeli forces would withdraw from populated areas of Gaza. The second phase involves the exchange of hostages and the withdrawal of Israeli forces, while the final phase focuses on reconstructing Gaza with international assistance.

The proposal aims to end the conflict that began with Hamas’s attack on southern Israel in October, resulting in significant casualties on both sides. Biden emphasized the importance of seizing this moment to achieve peace, urging both Hamas and Israeli leaders to support the deal.

NDTV highlights the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza, where Israeli retaliatory strikes have killed over 36,000 people. The proposal aims to address immediate humanitarian needs and lay the groundwork for long-term peace and reconstruction