Israel has previously said that Hamas must be destroyed. If a proposal for a permanent ceasefire is on the negotiating table, it is a bigger concession than Israel has previously agreed to.
Shortly after Biden presented the content of the new proposal, Prime Minister Netanyahu’s office confirmed that the proposal exists. However, Israel announced at the same time that “the war in Gaza is not over until all goals are achieved”.
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Complete ceasefire in the first phase
The proposal is divided into three phases, according to Biden. The first phase lasts for six weeks and involves a complete ceasefire.
All Israeli forces are to withdraw from the populated areas of Gaza and that a number of hostages are exchanged for hundreds of Palestinian prisoners.
During phase one, negotiations must also be held where the parties agree on the “necessary arrangements needed” to reach the next phase.
Phase two and three – the hostages are released
During the second phase, all remaining living hostages are to be released, and all Israeli forces to leave Gaza.
In the third phase, the remains of hostages who are no longer alive must also be returned.
A comprehensive reconstruction plan is also to be launched, with international aid to help rebuild schools, homes and hospitals.
“Cautiously positive Biden”
It was a cautiously positive Biden who presented the proposal for a ceasefire, according to SVT’s foreign reporter Stefan Åsberg.
– We can be sure that the USA has had a part in the work when this proposal was developed, says Åsberg.
Hamas has announced as recently as Friday that it will only agree to a comprehensive ceasefire agreement, including a prisoner exchange, if Israel fully withdraws from Gaza.
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Biden: “Time for the war to end” Photo: Evan Vucci