Biden outlined a peace plan that consists of three stages to end the war in Gaza. The first phase involves an immediate ceasefire where Israel would withdraw from main population centers in Gaza, hostages would be released, aid would flow into Gaza, and displaced civilians would be allowed to return home. Negotiations for a permanent ceasefire would take place during this phase. In the second phase, a permanent ceasefire would be agreed upon, and Israel would completely withdraw from Gaza. In the third phase, rebuilding efforts in Gaza would begin with international support.
However, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that the reported ceasefire agreement is not accurate. Hamas has accepted the general outline of the plan but has requested amendments. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken confirmed that negotiations are ongoing with both parties. Despite Biden’s proposal being supported by multiple countries and the UN Security Council, Hamas has not officially signed off on it due to concerns about Israel’s demands in the second phase of the agreement.
AP sources note discrepancies in desires between Israel and Hamas. Hamas wants an end to the war and the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza, while Israel seeks to eliminate the military capabilities of Hamas. The United States is caught in a difficult position between supporting Israel and meeting the demands of the Democratic electorate. Both sides are striving to come to an agreement that satisfies their respective goals but have yet to finalize a plan that all parties can agree on.