LThe Israeli proposal, presented by Joe Biden, is divided into three phases of around forty days each. With some “minor adjustments”, Hamas has already said it is ready to accept this agreement.
Step 1: return of part of the hostages and total ceasefire
The total ceasefire would last six weeks. Israeli troops will also have to withdraw from populated areas in Gaza. Among the hostages, women, the elderly and the injured could be freed. The American hostages should also be able to return “home”, in the words of Joe Biden. Around a hundred Palestinian prisoners should also be released. Six hundred humanitarian aid trucks will be able to enter the area every day.
Step 2: withdrawal of the Israeli army, cessation of fighting
This phase has not yet been precisely defined. It should be during phase 1. Joe Biden assures that the fighting will not resume as long as the discussions continue. If the discussions are positive, all the hostages could be released and the fighting would stop completely. The IDF would no longer be in the Gaza Strip.
Stage 3: Start of reconstruction of the Gaza Strip
With the help of the international community and the United States, the Gaza Strip could begin its reconstruction by prioritizing hospitals, schools and homes. The project could take between three and five years. The remains of the last hostages would also be returned to their families. Israel also demands that Hamas be prevented from replenishing its team of fighters. “The Prime Minister authorized the negotiating team to present a plan to achieve this goal, while emphasizing that the war will not stop until all its goals are achieved,” said a statement from the Benjamin Netanyahu’s office. The two most important points for the Israeli government are “the return” of all hostages and “the elimination of Hamas’ military and government capabilities.”
Hamas considered this new plan “positive”. “We cannot let this opportunity for an agreement in Gaza pass,” said the American president.
