Hamas issues statement on ceasefire following Biden's speech

Hamas issued a written statement regarding the new 3-phase ceasefire proposal that Biden expressed during a press conference at the White House.

The statement noted that the movement views the points mentioned in Biden's speech—regarding a permanent ceasefire, Israel's withdrawal from Gaza, reconstruction, and prisoner exchange—positively, stating, "This stance by the US and the consensus forming in the international and regional arena that the war in Gaza must end is a result of the legendary determination of our people and our heroic resistance forces."

The statement emphasized that Hamas is ready to respond constructively and positively to any proposal that is based on a "permanent ceasefire, the complete withdrawal of the Israeli army from Gaza, reconstruction, the return of displaced persons to their homes, and a serious prisoner exchange," provided that Israel also explicitly declares its commitment to it.

In his speech at the White House, Biden stated that Israel had presented a new 3-phase ceasefire proposal, noting that the first phase envisions a 6-week ceasefire process during which Israel would withdraw from residential areas in Gaza and a portion of the hostages held by the parties would be released.

Biden had explained that in the second phase, where negotiations would be conducted regarding the transition to a permanent end to hostilities, all remaining living hostages, including male soldiers, would be released, Israel would withdraw from Gaza (as in the first phase), the temporary ceasefire would turn into a permanent end to hostilities, and if the parties reached an agreement on all issues in the second phase, the third phase would be initiated, during which the reconstruction process of Gaza would be on the agenda and the bodies of any remaining deceased hostages held by the parties would be returned.

News Source: 12punto

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