Biden speaks on Gaza ceasefire issue: 'Still possible'

US President Joe Biden made an assessment regarding the ceasefire in Gaza during an interview with CBS.

When asked by the host whether a ceasefire in Gaza would be possible before his presidential term ends, Biden replied, "Yes, it is still possible."

Biden stated that the United Nations Security Council (UNSC)-backed ceasefire plan is "still viable" and noted that they are continuing their efforts to ensure the situation "does not turn into a regional war."

On May 31, Biden had announced a three-phase ceasefire plan, which he emphasized was Israel's proposal. The plan briefly included a permanent ceasefire, the withdrawal of Israeli forces from all of Gaza, the mutual release of hostages and prisoners, the return of displaced Palestinians to Gaza, the uninterrupted and sufficient delivery of humanitarian aid, and the reconstruction of Gaza.

Netanyahu later introduced new conditions regarding the prisoner exchange negotiations. These conditions stipulated "preventing armed Palestinians from returning from the south to the north and the Israeli army remaining in the Philadelphi Corridor on the border between Gaza and Egypt."

In a joint statement released on August 8, the US, Egypt, and Qatar called on Israel and Hamas to resume negotiations on August 15 in Cairo or Doha to achieve a ceasefire in Gaza and a prisoner exchange.

News Source: 12punto