In a surprise announcement from the White House, President Joe Biden revealed that Israel has put forward a three-part plan aimed at achieving a permanent cease-fire in the war-torn Gaza Strip. The proposal also includes the release of all hostages who have been held captive in the region for the past eight months.

President Biden credited his team's intensive diplomacy efforts for the development of the plan, which has been conveyed to the Palestinian militant group Hamas through the mediator Qatar. This announcement holds significance as Biden's administration has faced opposition from the far-left wing of the Democratic Party, especially with the general election underway.

The first phase of the plan consists of a six-week full and complete cease-fire. During this period, Israeli forces would withdraw from the populated areas of Gaza while women and children held hostage would be released. Additionally, there would be a surge of humanitarian aid with 600 trucks delivering assistance daily to Gaza.

President Biden acknowledged that transitioning from phase one to phase two poses negotiation challenges. Phase two would involve the release of all remaining hostages in exchange for Palestinians imprisoned in Israel. Finally, the plan's third and final phase entails a comprehensive reconstruction effort in Gaza and the repatriation of the remains of deceased hostages to their families.

President Biden urged Israeli leadership to support the proposed deal, regardless of political pressure. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office commented on the plan, stating that he authorized the negotiating team to present an outline that includes the return of all abductees and the dismantling of Hamas' military and governmental capabilities.

Despite Netanyahu's previous commitment to only end the war once Hamas is destroyed, he has faced mounting pressure from hostage families who accuse the government of not doing enough to secure their loved ones' release. Hamas, the other party in the conflict, has not yet responded to the proposed plan but expressed its readiness to reach a comprehensive agreement if Israel halts its offensive.

President Biden's announcement follows recent escalating tensions as Israeli forces advanced deeper into the southern Gaza city of Rafah, triggering a major fire that caused numerous Palestinian casualties. While the relationship between President Biden and Netanyahu has become increasingly strained, the United States previously defended Israel against Iran's attack in April.

The war in Gaza, which began with Hamas' surprise assault on Israel on October 7th, has led to a staggering death toll of around 36,000 Palestinians, according to Gaza officials. Israel has faced widespread criticism and growing international isolation during the conflict. The International Court of Justice recently ordered an immediate halt to Israel's military offensive in Rafah, while the International Criminal Court's chief prosecutor sought arrest warrants for Netanyahu, Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar, and others for alleged war crimes.

President Biden's announcement signals a potential breakthrough in the relentless conflict, as Israel's three-part proposal offers a path towards a lasting cease-fire and the return of all hostages. The success of this plan hinges on the willingness of both Hamas and Israeli leaders to engage in constructive negotiations and overcome significant challenges along the way.