“It is time for this war to end”: Joe Biden on Friday called on Hamas to accept a three-step plan towards the end of the war in Gaza proposed by Israel. This plan is based on an initially temporary ceasefire, accompanied by the release of the hostages.
In a speech from the White House, the American president considered that this road map, which according to him was submitted to the Palestinian movement Hamas via Qatar, was an opportunity not to be “missed.”
The first phase would be a total ceasefire, with a withdrawal of Israeli troops from “inhabited areas of Gaza”, for a period of six weeks. The end of the fighting would be accompanied by the release of certain Israeli hostages, notably women and the sick, and the release of Palestinian prisoners.
This temporary ceasefire could become “permanent” if the Palestinian movement “respects its commitments”, added Joe Biden, calling on Hamas to “accept” the proposed agreement.
Resisting “pressures”
The next phase of the plan would include the release of all hostages still held in Gaza. Joe Biden asked the Israeli government to resist “pressure” from supporters of an “endless” conflict.
In the longer term, the American president spoke of a normalization of Israel’s relations with Saudi Arabia and its inclusion in a “regional security network”.
He also spoke of a major reconstruction program in Gaza where civilians, according to him, are today experiencing “hell”, as well as the Palestinians’ right to “self-determination”.
“Decisive moment”
Joe Biden, who until now had never outlined such a comprehensive roadmap, spoke of a “decisive moment”. However, he acknowledged that “nothing was simple.”
Hamas said Thursday it was willing to reach a truce in the Gaza Strip that would include a “comprehensive agreement on an exchange” of prisoners, but only if Israel stopped its bombings.
This article was automatically published. Sources: ats / afp
