US President Joe Biden called on the Hamas movement to accept a new offer from Israel to release the hostages in exchange for a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, saying that this is the best way to begin ending this deadly conflict.
Biden added - in a speech at the White House about the war in Gaza - on Friday “The ceasefire will enable the necessary aid to be distributed safely and effectively to all those in need.”
US President Joe Biden said that Israel presented a new, comprehensive proposal, which is to “withdraw all of its forces from Gaza for six weeks.”
He explained, "The Israeli proposal includes agreeing on a ceasefire for a period of six weeks and withdrawing forces from all neighborhoods of the Gaza Strip."
The U.S. President continued, "The new Israeli proposal includes three phases: the first will last six weeks with a comprehensive ceasefire and the withdrawal of Israeli forces from populated areas in Gaza, while the second phase will witness the exchange of all remaining living hostages and the Israeli forces will withdraw. And in the third phase, there will be a reconstruction plan for Gaza."
He continued, saying, "During the six weeks of the first phase, Israel will negotiate with Hamas to reach the second phase, which will witness a permanent end to hostilities."
Biden said: “I know that some in Israel will not agree to this plan, including members of the government ... and I urge the Israeli leadership to support this agreement despite any pressure.”