On Friday afternoon, President Joe Biden, while standing at the State Dining Room podium in the White House, outlined a three-phase deal offered by Israel to Hamas militants. He stated this could result in the release of the remaining hostages in Gaza and possibly conclude the ongoing conflict in the Middle East that has lasted nearly eight months.
He emphasized the difficulty of bringing Hamas to direct negotiations, which are vital for ceasing hostilities and securing the hostages’ safe release. Biden also stated that Hamas lacks the capacity for another large-scale attack on Israel and encouraged both parties to agree on a deal for the hostages’ release in exchange for an extended cease-fire.
PHASE ONE
In the initial phase, Israeli forces will retreat from densely populated zones in Gaza, and the release of some American hostages will commence. Concurrently, Palestinians will be able to return to their residences throughout Gaza, including northern regions. Additionally, the influx of humanitarian aid will increase, with 600 trucks delivering assistance to Gaza daily.
With a ceasefire that aid could be safely and effectively distributed, Biden said. Thousands of temporary shelters including housing units will be delivered by the international community. “All that and more would begin immediately,” Biden said.
PHASE TWO
The second phase includes the release of all remaining living hostages, encompassing male soldiers, coupled with the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza—a pivotal move in tackling the persistent Israeli-Palestinian conflict. “Provided that Hamas adheres to its commitments, the temporary ceasefire, as per the Israeli proposals, would evolve into a ‘permanent cessation of hostilities,'” stated Biden.
PHASE THREE
The third phase involves initiating a significant reconstruction of Gaza, which requires decades of rebuilding due to the war’s devastation. The reconstruction efforts in Gaza are expected to potentially involve new regional partners, such as Saudi Arabia, which has been seeking a security agreement with the U.S. and a formal relationship with Israel to foster long-term peace in the region and ultimately establish a Palestinian State.,
In a statement made just hours before its delivery, President Biden highlighted that Israel has put forward “a comprehensive new proposal,” which serves as a roadmap to a lasting cease-fire and the release of all hostages. He mentioned that Qatar had conveyed this proposal to Hamas after extensive diplomatic efforts by U.S. officials in collaboration with their Israeli, Egyptian, and Qatari counterparts.
Biden recognized, “I am aware that there are individuals in Israel who disagree with this plan and advocate for the continuation of the war. Some of them are part of the government coalition. Their desire is to occupy Gaza, to continue the conflict for years, and they do not prioritize the hostages.”
Biden cautioned the Israeli public against missing the opportunity to avoid an endless war in pursuit of an elusive complete triumph, which would only deplete economic, military, and human resources, while exacerbating Israel’s global isolation. He emphasized that such a path would not secure the return of hostages, achieve a lasting defeat of Hamas, or ensure enduring security for Israel.
He mentioned that a hostage deal would pave the way for peace along the Israel-Lebanon border, potentially normalize relations with Saudi Arabia, and enhance regional integration, thereby securing Israel’s safety.
This is a developing story. Please check back for more details as they become available.
Washington based CEO & Founder of LJC. Media covering politics, sports, & entertainment A seven-time Emmy Award-winning TV producer, director, and podcast host. Digital Director and Washington Bureau Chief at News Talk Florida & The Daily Cable
