Biden Pushes for Ceasefire Agreement in Israeli-Palestinian Conflict
ICARO Media Group
In a bid to end the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, President Joe Biden has unveiled a three-phase ceasefire plan, putting pressure on leaders from both sides to reach an agreement. The White House released the plan on Friday, which has received mixed responses from Israeli and Palestinian leaders.
Over the weekend, an aide for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that the country had accepted a framework agreement to wind down its military campaign in Gaza. However, they also expressed concerns about the proposal, calling it "not a good deal" and emphasizing that there are still many details to be worked out.
The plan comes after eight months of ongoing violence that started with the Hamas attacks on October 7. The conflict has resulted in an estimated 1,200 casualties in Israel and over 36,000 Palestinians, with more than 600 Israeli soldiers losing their lives. Additionally, around 84 people are still being held hostage in Gaza, according to multiple news outlets.
Biden's three-phase plan includes a call for an immediate six-week ceasefire, demanding the withdrawal of Israeli forces from populated areas of Gaza. It also calls for the release of "a number of hostages," including women, the elderly, the wounded, and several U.S. citizens, in exchange for the release of Palestinian prisoners held in Israel. During this period, humanitarian assistance will be provided, with 600 trucks carrying aid into Gaza daily.
The second phase of the plan involves the full withdrawal of Israel's military from Gaza in exchange for the release of all remaining living hostages, including male soldiers. If Hamas adheres to the outlined conditions, Israel is considering a permanent cessation of hostilities.
The final phase focuses on the reconstruction of Gaza, which has seen 75% of its population displaced due to the conflict. The plan includes the rebuilding of homes, schools, and hospitals, with the participation of Arab nations and the international community, ensuring that Hamas does not have the opportunity to rearm.
While Netanyahu's office initially authorized the text of Biden's proposal, the Israeli Prime Minister stressed that a ceasefire would only be accepted if Hamas's military and governing capabilities are entirely destroyed, all hostages are freed, and Gaza no longer poses a threat to Israel.
Far-right leaders within the Israeli government, including Bezalel Smotrich and Itamar Ben-Gvir, support Netanyahu's stance and believe that an immediate ceasefire should be contingent on the destruction of Hamas. They have even threatened to dissolve the government if Netanyahu proceeds with the plan.
On the other hand, Israeli Minister Benny Gantz and opposition leader Yair Lapid have expressed support for Biden's plan. They urge Israeli leaders to discuss the next steps as soon as possible, emphasizing the importance of reaching a swift resolution.
Hamas has signaled its willingness to move forward with Biden's plan, but only on the condition of a permanent ceasefire and the complete withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza.
In a joint statement, the United States, Egypt, and Qatar have announced their support for the plan, highlighting the relief it would bring to the people of Gaza and the hostages and their families.
Family members of Israeli hostages held in Gaza are urging Netanyahu to publicly endorse Biden's plan, calling on citizens of Israel to take to the streets in support.
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken has been actively engaging with foreign leaders to encourage their support for the plan and urging Hamas to accept it without delay.
As the Israeli-Palestinian conflict continues to escalate, international pressure is mounting for a ceasefire agreement. Biden's three-phase plan presents a potential path towards peace, but significant obstacles and differing perspectives remain to be addressed.