Hamas, which President Joe Biden mentioned had received a proposal from Qatar, released a statement expressing positive reactions. The group indicated its readiness to engage “positively and in a constructive manner” with any proposal that includes a permanent ceasefire, withdrawal of Israeli forces, reconstruction of Gaza, return of displaced individuals, and a “genuine” prisoner swap deal, contingent on Israel’s clear commitment to such a deal.
On Friday, President Biden outlined what he described as a three-phase Israeli proposal for a ceasefire in Gaza, aimed at ending the ongoing conflict. The proposal received an initial positive response from Hamas.
The first phase includes a six-week ceasefire during which Israeli forces would withdraw from “all populated areas” of Gaza. This phase would also see the release of some hostages, including the elderly and women, in exchange for hundreds of Palestinian prisoners. Palestinian civilians would be allowed to return to their homes in Gaza, and 600 trucks a day would deliver humanitarian aid to the devastated enclave. During this time, Hamas and Israel would negotiate a permanent ceasefire, which Biden emphasized would last “as long as Hamas lives up to its commitments.” If negotiations extend beyond six weeks, the temporary ceasefire would continue while talks proceeded.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office stated that he had authorized his negotiating team to present the deal, insisting that the war would not end until all its goals were achieved, including the return of all hostages and the destruction of Hamas’ military and governmental capabilities.
Meanwhile, the Israeli military reported ending operations in north Gaza’s Jabalia area after intense fighting and has shifted focus to Rafah in the south, targeting what they describe as the last major Hamas stronghold.
The conflict began on October 7, when gunmen from the Islamist Palestinian group Hamas stormed into southern Israel on motorcycles, paragliders, and four-wheel drive vehicles, killing 1,200 people and abducting more than 250, according to Israeli reports.
