A six-week ceasefire is part of the first phase, during which Israeli forces will leave “all populated areas” of Gaza; hundreds of Palestinian prisoners will be exchanged for the release of some hostages, including women and the elderly; Palestinian civilians will be allowed to return to their homes in Gaza; and 600 trucks per day will deliver humanitarian aid to the beleaguered enclave.
A permanent truce that would exist “as long as Hamas lives up to its commitments” will be negotiated by Israel and Hamas during this phase, according to Biden. The temporary ceasefire would remain in place while negotiations took place if they lasted longer than six weeks.
In the second phase, Israeli forces would leave Gaza, a permanent truce would start, and all living hostages—including male soldiers—would be exchanged, according to Biden.
The “final remains” of the captives would be returned to their families, and a comprehensive plan for Gaza’s restoration would be part of the third phase.
“It’s time for this war to end and for the day after to begin,” stated Biden, who is facing pressure to end the eight-month-long Gaza battle in the run-up to the election.
Biden claimed that Hamas had received the Qatari proposal, and the organization responded favorably in a statement.
If Israel “clearly announces commitment to such a deal,” Hamas stated that it is prepared to work “positively and in a constructive manner” with any proposal based on a permanent ceasefire, the evacuation of Israeli forces, the reconstruction of Gaza, the return of those who have been displaced, and a “genuine” prisoner swap deal.
Per the statement from his office, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu “while insisting that the war will not end until all of its goals are achieved, including the return of all our hostages and the destruction of Hamas’ military and governmental capabilities,” had given his team the green light to present the agreement.
In a related development, the Israeli military reported that, following many days of fierce fighting, its forces had concluded operations in the Jabalia area of north Gaza. Meanwhile, they continued their investigation into Rafah in south Gaza with the aim of locating the final significant Hamas stronghold.