US President Biden says Israel has presented a new proposal to Hamas

US President Biden announced that Israel's 3-phase ceasefire draft envisions a withdrawal from populated areas in Gaza and the release of some hostages during the first 6-week phase.

Highlights from US President Joe Biden's statement:

"IT COVERS A PERMANENT CEASEFIRE AND ALL HOSTAGES"

"We are trying to end the war permanently. We are trying to bring the hostages home. We are trying to ensure a Gaza without Hamas. Israel has made the following proposal. It proposed a permanent ceasefire and all hostages. It was conveyed to Hamas through Qatar.

"PALESTINIAN CIVILIANS WILL RETURN TO THEIR HOMES"

I want to explain these terms. This proposal has 3 phases. Here is what will happen in the first phase, which will last 6 weeks: A full ceasefire. The withdrawal of Israeli soldiers from areas where Gazans live, the release of women, the elderly, and the wounded, and in return, the release of hundreds of imprisoned Palestinians. Many hostages have lost their lives, and their remains will be returned to their families. Palestinian civilians will return to their homes. This includes the north. Humanitarian aid will increase rapidly, and 600 trucks will enter Gaza every day. Hundreds of thousands of shelters will be built in Gaza by the international community. These will begin immediately.

"THIS PROCESS WILL CONTINUE UNTIL ALL AGREEMENTS ARE FULFILLED"

During the first 6-week phase, Hamas and Israel will negotiate for the second phase. Israel wants to ensure the security of its territory. If these negotiations take longer than 6 weeks, the ceasefire will continue. This process will continue until all agreements are fulfilled. In the second phase, all remaining living hostages will be returned. This includes Israeli soldiers. Hostilities will stop forever. Work will begin for the reconstruction of Gaza. This is the proposal on the table. What we need, and what the Israeli people need to know, is that the process will continue in a way that does not compromise their security. Hamas must not be able to organize an attack like October 7 again.

"HAMAS WILL NOT BE ALLOWED TO REARM"

There are those who want the war to continue forever. I told Israeli officials that no matter how much pressure there is, they should stand behind this proposal. They are currently seeking a total victory. It will lead to Israel's isolation from the world. It will not provide lasting security for Israel. With this agreement, the reconstruction of Gaza will begin. Hamas will not be allowed to rearm. This agreement will rebuild destroyed communities. Israel will become integrated with the region again. The normalization process with Saudi Arabia will continue. This path is possible for us. Israel has the right to defend itself. It has the right to bring those responsible for October 7 to justice. If Hamas does not keep its word, Israel will continue its military operations. And we will do our part. This is a truly important turning point. Hamas must accept this agreement. Hamas needs to accept this. A call must be made for this."

News Source: İHA