Highlighting his longstanding commitment to “Israel”, US President Joe Biden has introduced a new captive deal proposal.
US President Joe Biden laid out a new proposal that involves releasing Israeli captives in exchange for a ceasefire in Gaza.
Biden claimed that this is the most effective step toward de-escalating the ongoing war, adding, “With a ceasefire, that aid could be safely and effectively distributed to all who need it.”
“As someone who’s had a lifelong commitment to Israel, as the only American president who has ever gone to Israel at a time of war, as someone who just sent the US forces to directly defend Israel when it was attacked by Iran, I ask you to take a step back, think what will happen if this moment is lost,” he stressed. “We can’t lose this moment.”
“It’s time for this war to end and for the day after to begin,” emphasized Biden, who is under the pressure of an election year and amid the ongoing Israeli aggression, which has persisted for eight months.
Biden’s three-phase plan for Gaza ceasefire detailed
The three phases proposed by the US President are as follows:
In phase one: A six-week ceasefire would be implemented. During this period, Israeli forces would withdraw from Gaza, and Israeli captives, including the elderly and women, would be exchanged for hundreds of Palestinian detainees. Palestinian civilians, including those in northern Gaza, would be returned, and 600 trucks daily would deliver humanitarian aid.
In phase two: Negotiations between Hamas and “Israel” would commence to establish terms for a permanent end to hostilities. Biden emphasized that the ceasefire would persist during these talks.
In phase three: A comprehensive reconstruction plan for Gaza would be initiated. Qatar has conveyed the proposal to Hamas, according to Biden. The US President also urged those in “Israel” advocating for prolonged war to reconsider their stance.
‘Israel’ wants ‘to occupy Gaza’
Biden also acknowledged opposition to the plan within “Israel”, particularly among some government coalition members, who advocate for continuing the war indefinitely, prioritizing the occupation of Gaza over the release of Israeli captives.
“I know there are those in Israel who will not agree with this plan. And will call for the war to continue indefinitely. Some are even in the government coalition. They’ve made it clear. They want to occupy Gaza. They want to keep fighting for years and hostages are not a priority for them. Well, I’ve urged leadership in Israel to stand behind this deal, despite whatever pressure comes,” Biden said.
Numerous Israeli media channels characterized Biden’s speech on Friday as compelling, interpreting it as a direct appeal to the Israeli populace. Channel 12 even interrupted its regular evening news program to broadcast Biden’s address live. According to anchor Danny Kushmaro, “Israel’s” censor had previously prohibited the publication of the offer’s specifics.
Well, Biden was right. Simultaneously, Netanyahu rushed to respond to Biden’s plan, claiming that “the Israeli government is united in the desire to return our hostages as soon as possible and is working to achieve this goal,” as per a statement by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office.
“Therefore, the prime minister authorized the negotiating team to present an outline for achieving this goal, while insisting that the war will not end until all of its goals are achieved, including the return of all our hostages and the elimination of Hamas’ military and governmental capabilities,” Netanyahu’s office stressed.
“The exact outline proposed by Israel, including the conditional transition from stage to stage, allows Israel to maintain these principles,” the statement added.
Netanyahu’s office does not explicitly confirm if their proposal aligns with the one outlined by Biden in his speech. It also does not directly acknowledge Biden’s address. When questioned about the similarity between Netanyahu’s proposal and Biden’s speech, a senior administration official avoided providing a direct response during a briefing with reporters, as per Israeli media.
“I have no doubt that the deal will be characterized by Israel and will be characterized by Hamas, but we know what’s in the deal. We know what the expectations are,” the official said, as quoted by Times of Israel.
Source: AlMayadeen