1/6/2024–|Last updated: 6/1/202412:14 AM (Mecca time)
On Friday, May 31, 2024, US President Joe Biden announced what he said was “a comprehensive Israeli proposal for a ceasefire and the release of all detainees.”
Biden said that the proposal consists of 3 stages, and stipulates a sustainable ceasefire, the release of Israeli detainees, the withdrawal of Israeli forces from populated areas in the Gaza Strip, and the entry of aid.
In a speech from the White House, Biden described the Israeli proposal as “a road map for a complete and complete ceasefire and the withdrawal of Israeli forces from all populated areas in Gaza.”
He added that the State of Qatar – which is making mediation efforts for a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, which has been subjected to Israeli aggression since Operation Al-Aqsa Flood – transferred the Israeli proposal to the Islamic Resistance Movement (Hamas) to study it and respond to it.
Below are the details of the Israeli proposal, as conveyed by Biden in his speech:
The first stage:
It lasts 6 weeks and includes:
- A comprehensive and complete ceasefire.
- Withdrawal of Israeli forces from all populated areas in Gaza.
- A number of Israeli prisoners were released, including the wounded, the elderly, and women.
- The release of hundreds of Palestinian prisoners.
- Handing over the remaining bodies of Israeli prisoners in Gaza.
- The return of Palestinian civilians to all areas of Gaza, including the north.
- Aid enters Gaza at a rate of 600 trucks per day.
The second phase
The US President said that during these six weeks, which represent the first phase, Israel and Hamas will negotiate to reach the second phase of the deal, which includes:
- Sustained cessation of hostilities.
- All living prisoners were exchanged, including Israeli soldiers.
He said that the Israeli and Palestinian sides will negotiate a permanent ceasefire during those six weeks, but the truce will continue if the talks remain ongoing.
He added, “As long as Hamas fulfills its obligations, the temporary ceasefire will become, according to the phrase contained in the Israeli proposal, a permanent cessation of hostilities.”
third level
While the third phase, according to Biden, includes the following:
- Post-war arrangements
- Reconstruction of the Gaza Strip.
Promises and pledges
The US President called on the Israeli political leadership not to waste this opportunity, and stressed that if Hamas rejects the Israeli proposal, Israel will continue its war in Gaza.
He pointed out that the agreement “will allow Israel to integrate into the region and reach a historic normalization agreement with Saudi Arabia.”
Biden pledged that the United States would help formulate a solution to the situation on the Lebanese border, stressing that there were risks that Israel’s isolation would increase globally.
For his part, the office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in a statement that he authorized the negotiating team to present a plan to achieve the goal of the ceasefire.
He stressed that “the war will not end until all its objectives are achieved, including the return of all hostages and the elimination of Hamas’ military and governmental capabilities.”
