WASHINGTON: On Sunday, the United States expressed its expectation that Israel will accept a proposed multi-phase Gaza truce plan if Hamas agrees to it. President Joe Biden outlined this plan, which originally came from Israel.
John Kirby, White House National Security Council spokesman, told Presstonight, “We have every expectation that if Hamas agrees to the proposal, as was transmitted to them, an Israeli proposal, that Israel would say yes.” The proposal reached Hamas on Thursday night Washington time, and officials still await an official response from Hamas.
Hamas has shown a positive attitude towards the three-stage plan. President Biden’s proposal includes an initial six-week phase where Israeli forces will withdraw from populated areas of Gaza and begin a hostage-prisoner exchange. The subsequent phases will involve negotiations for a lasting ceasefire, with the truce continuing as long as talks progress.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, under intense domestic pressure, has expressed concerns about Biden’s presentation, insisting that Israel’s aggression in Gaza will continue until Israel destroys Hamas and frees the captives. Netanyahu emphasized that the transition between stages of the plan is conditional, allowing Israel to maintain its war aims.
Kirby reiterated Hamas’s positive reception to the proposal and expressed hope for the immediate start of phase one, which includes releasing hostages and allowing humanitarian assistance into Gaza. While this phase progresses, both sides will negotiate the details of phase two.
The Gaza conflict began with Hamas’s unprecedented October 7 attack, resulting in significant casualties and hostages. Israel’s retaliatory actions have led to extensive civilian casualties in Gaza, according to official figures from both sides.
