The first phase is six weeks: a full and complete cease-fire and withdrawal of Israeli forces from all populated areas of Gaza, as well as the release of a number of hostages — including American hostages — in exchange for the release of “hundreds” of Palestinian prisoners. The remains of hostages who have been killed would be returned to their families as well. Citizens in Gaza could return home to any part of the coastal enclave, and more aid — as much as 600 trucks a day — would be moved in to stave off what experts warn could be a looming famine.
During that phase, he said, Israel and Hamas would negotiate a Phase 2: “a permanent end of hostilities.” As long as negotiations continue, the cease-fire would hold, potentially lasting longer than the initial six weeks. Phase 2 would also see the release of all remaining living hostages.
Phase 3 would be the start of a “major reconstruction plan for Gaza,” and any final remains of hostages would be returned to their families.
There are many challenges ahead
Biden acknowledged that even some within the Israeli government do not agree with the plan and could put pressure on Israel to back off of it.
“As the only American president who has ever gone to Israel in a time of war, as someone who just sent the U.S. forces to directly defend Israel when it was attacked by Iran, I ask you to take a step back and think, what will happen if this moment is lost,” Biden said. “We can’t lose this moment.”
He said that “indefinite war” will not defeat Hamas and “will not bring Israel lasting security.”
Earlier this week, Israel’s national security adviser said the war would last at least another seven months. Families of hostages also said he told them that the war would not be stopped for their return.
After Biden’s remarks, Hamas issued a statement saying it welcomed Biden’s call for a permanent cease-fire. It added: “The movement affirms its position of readiness to deal positively and constructively with any proposal based on a permanent cease-fire, complete withdrawal from the Gaza Strip, reconstruction, the return of the displaced to all their places of residence, and the completion of a serious prisoner exchange deal if the occupation declares its explicit commitment to that.”
A senior administration official put the onus on Hamas to accept the Israeli framework, suggesting the plan was similar to what Hamas has proposed recently itself.
Washington continues to focus attention on Israel
Congressional leaders have spent the past several weeks negotiating a plan to invite Netanyahu to speak to lawmakers. The topic has created complicated politics for Democrats in particular, as a growing number of their members have raised concerns about Israel’s handling of the expanding humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
Republicans in the House have advanced several messaging bills meant to highlight those divisions, including bills to define antisemitism and to force the White House to deliver arms to Israel without conditions.
The brief letter of invitation to Netanyahu references the Oct. 7 attack by Hamas on Israel, saying the attack shocked the world and “forced your nation into a fight for your very existence.” Leaders did not propose a specific date for the address.