U.S. President Joe Biden has publicly detailed a three-phase ceasefire proposal, which he stated was put forward by Israel, aimed at ending the ongoing conflict in Gaza. In a speech delivered from the White House, Biden outlined the plan’s framework, which includes the release of hostages held by Hamas and a phased withdrawal of Israeli forces from the territory.
According to the president’s remarks, the proposal was transmitted from Israel to Hamas via Qatar, which has served as a mediator alongside Egypt and the United States. The plan represents the latest effort by international parties to broker an agreement to halt the hostilities that began after Hamas-led attacks on Israel on Oct. 7.
The first phase of the proposal, as described by Biden, would last for six weeks and involve a full and complete ceasefire. This stage would include the withdrawal of Israeli forces from all populated areas of Gaza and the release of a number of hostages, including women, the elderly, and the wounded, in exchange for the release of hundreds of Palestinian prisoners. During this period, humanitarian aid into Gaza would increase significantly, with 600 trucks permitted to enter daily.
If the terms of the first phase are met, negotiations would begin for the second phase, which would feature a permanent end to hostilities. This stage would involve the release of all remaining living hostages, including male soldiers, and the complete withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza.
The third and final phase of the plan focuses on long-term stability and reconstruction. It would launch a major multi-year rebuilding effort for Gaza, which has seen widespread destruction during the conflict. The remains of any deceased hostages would also be returned to their families during this final stage.
In response to the announcement, Hamas released a statement saying it viewed the proposal “positively.” The group stated its readiness to engage constructively with any proposal based on a permanent ceasefire, the full withdrawal of Israeli forces, the reconstruction of Gaza, and a “serious” prisoner exchange deal.
The office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu issued a statement confirming that Israel’s conditions for ending the war had not changed. These conditions include the destruction of Hamas’s military and governing capabilities, the freeing of all hostages, and ensuring Gaza no longer poses a threat to Israel. The statement noted that the notion Israel would agree to a permanent ceasefire before these conditions are met is a “non-starter.”
International mediators, including officials from Egypt and Qatar, have continued to facilitate discussions between the parties. The diplomatic efforts are aimed at bridging the gaps between Hamas’s demand for a permanent ceasefire and Israel’s stated war objectives. As of this report, a definitive agreement has not been reached.
