Biden proposes new Israeli ceasefire deal for Gaza conflict.

US President Joe Biden presented a detailed ceasefire plan for the Gaza conflict at the White House, aiming to end the prolonged eight-month war. The proposal, developed by Israel, has received a positive reaction from Hamas, but Biden acknowledged the challenges ahead.

The ceasefire plan, divided into three phases, aims to bring lasting peace to the region. In the first phase, there will be a full ceasefire, Israeli forces will withdraw from populated Gaza areas, and hostages will be exchanged for Palestinian prisoners.

"This is truly a decisive moment. Israel has made their proposal. Hamas says it wants a cease fire. This deal is an opportunity to prove whether they really mean it. Hamas needs to take the deal," Biden said.


The second phase involves the release of all remaining hostages, including soldiers, with further Israeli withdrawal from Gaza. The final phase focuses on major reconstruction efforts in Gaza to repair war damage.

"It's time to begin this new stage. For hostages to come home. For Israel to be secure with the suffering to stop. It's time for this war to end. For the day after to begin," Biden stated.


EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell and EU Commission president Ursula von der Leyen expressed strong support for the ceasefire plan, emphasizing the need for a lasting end to hostilities.

Palestinians and international community react to the proposed deal.

Hamas has indicated a willingness to engage with the proposal, highlighting a potential pathway to peace. However, Biden noted the complexities involved, particularly in negotiating the ratio of hostages to be released.

The Israeli military continues operations in Rafah, causing significant displacement among Palestinians. Matthew Hollingworth from the World Food Programme stressed the urgent need for a ceasefire to alleviate the humanitarian crisis.

"What we need, of course, is an immediate ceasefire," he said. "We desperately need to start helping people go beyond this day-to-day existence. That also means hostages need to be released. There needs to be no excuse for this war and no justification for this war to continue."
Credit: Cbc