President Joe Biden delivered remarks from the White House, unveiling a new three-phase plan to bring the Israel-Hamas war to a close.
The proposed cease-fire deal has been transmitted to both Israel and Hamas through Qatar.
The big picture: The first phase would span six weeks and entail a complete cease-fire, withdrawal of Israeli forces from populated areas in Gaza and the release of hostages.
- Additionally, Palestinians would have the opportunity to return to their homes, and 600 trucks of humanitarian aid would be dispatched to Gaza daily as part of the first phase.
- The second phase of the plan involves the release of all remaining living hostages, and a temporary cease-fire would evolve into a permanent one, conditioned on Hamas fulfilling its commitments.
- Notably, Israel would withdraw all forces from Gaza during this phase.
- The third phase would focus on a major reconstruction effort in Gaza, aiming to render Hamas incapable of undertaking activities similar to those on Oct. 7, thus meeting one of Israel’s key war objectives.
