On Friday, USA president Joe Biden presented a three-phase Israeli proposal for a ceasefire in Gaza in exchange for the release of Israeli hostages, emphasizing the need to end the ongoing war. The initial phase includes a six-week ceasefire with Israeli forces retreating from Gaza's populated areas, the release of some hostages (such as the elderly and women) in return for hundreds of Palestinian prisoners, the return of Palestinian civilians, and the daily delivery of humanitarian aid via 600 trucks.
In the subsequent phase, Hamas and Israel would engage in discussions to establish terms for a permanent cessation of hostilities, with the ceasefire remaining in effect during negotiations. The third phase would focus on a comprehensive reconstruction plan for Gaza. Biden expressed the urgency of concluding the conflict and commencing post-war efforts.
Hamas responded positively to Biden's proposal, expressing willingness to engage constructively in discussions centered on a lasting ceasefire, Israeli forces' withdrawal, Gaza's reconstruction, the return of displaced individuals, and a genuine prisoner exchange agreement. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office authorized its negotiating team to present the proposal.
While emphasizing that the war would continue until all objectives, including the return of hostages and dismantling of Hamas' military and governmental capabilities, were met. The Israeli military announced the conclusion of operations in north Gaza's Jabalia area and continued efforts in Rafah in south Gaza to target the remaining major Hamas stronghold. The conflict began on Oct. 7 when militants affiliated with the Islamist Palestinian group infiltrated southern Israel, resulting in casualties and abductions.
Following this, Israel launched an incursion into the Gaza Strip to combat Hamas, which took control of the region from the Fatah Palestinian faction in 2007. Mediation attempts by Egypt, Qatar, and other parties to broker a ceasefire have faced setbacks, with both sides attributing the lack of progress to each other.