President Joe Biden has called on Hamas to accept the new peace deal that Israel offered on Friday.
Hamas announced on Thursday that mediators would no longer take part in negotiations but that they were ready to consider a “complete agreement” that would potentially see the exchange of hostages and prisoners if Israel stopped the war.
Up until now, talks mediated by, among others, Egypt and Qatar, have stalled with both sides pinning the blame on the other. Now, however, hopes for peace have been raised following a new proposal.
"This sets the stage for a political settlement that provides a better future for Israelis and Palestinians alike,” said the President. “After intensive diplomacy carried out by my team, my many conversations with leaders of Israel, Qatar and Egypt and other Middle Eastern countries, Israel has now offered a comprehensive new proposal.”
He added: “It's a roadmap to an enduring cease-fire and the release of all hostages.”
Submitted to Hamas by Qatari officials, the three stage plan includes a full and complete ceasefire and withdrawal from populated areas of Gaza, and the release of a certain number of prisoners in exchange for hundreds of Palestinians. This phase, said Biden, would last for six weeks.
Appealing for a level-headed reaction, he continued: “I know there are those in Israel who will not agree with this plan and will call for the war to continue indefinitely. Some are even in the government coalition. And they've made it clear they want to occupy Gaza. They want to keep fighting for years and the hostages are not a priority to them. Well, I've urged the leadership in Israel to stand behind this deal despite whatever pressure comes."
Biden also warned that Hamas would face heavy repercussions if they broke such a deal. “If Hamas fails to fulfill its commitments under the deal, Israel can resume military operations, but Egypt, Qatar have assured me, and they are continuing to work to ensure that Hamas doesn't do that. The United States will help ensure that Israel lives up to their obligations as well."
Finishing with a message of hope, Biden said: "It's time to begin this new stage. The hostages are coming home, for Israel to be secure, for the suffering to stop. It's time for this war to end, for the day after to begin.”
His words though have been tainted by Sunday’s airstrike on Rafah that killed 45 Palestinians.
Up until now, talks mediated by, among others, Egypt and Qatar, have stalled with both sides pinning the blame on the other. Now, however, hopes for peace have been raised following a new proposal.
"This sets the stage for a political settlement that provides a better future for Israelis and Palestinians alike,” said the President. “After intensive diplomacy carried out by my team, my many conversations with leaders of Israel, Qatar and Egypt and other Middle Eastern countries, Israel has now offered a comprehensive new proposal.”
He added: “It's a roadmap to an enduring cease-fire and the release of all hostages.”
Submitted to Hamas by Qatari officials, the three stage plan includes a full and complete ceasefire and withdrawal from populated areas of Gaza, and the release of a certain number of prisoners in exchange for hundreds of Palestinians. This phase, said Biden, would last for six weeks.
Appealing for a level-headed reaction, he continued: “I know there are those in Israel who will not agree with this plan and will call for the war to continue indefinitely. Some are even in the government coalition. And they've made it clear they want to occupy Gaza. They want to keep fighting for years and the hostages are not a priority to them. Well, I've urged the leadership in Israel to stand behind this deal despite whatever pressure comes."
Biden also warned that Hamas would face heavy repercussions if they broke such a deal. “If Hamas fails to fulfill its commitments under the deal, Israel can resume military operations, but Egypt, Qatar have assured me, and they are continuing to work to ensure that Hamas doesn't do that. The United States will help ensure that Israel lives up to their obligations as well."
Finishing with a message of hope, Biden said: "It's time to begin this new stage. The hostages are coming home, for Israel to be secure, for the suffering to stop. It's time for this war to end, for the day after to begin.”
His words though have been tainted by Sunday’s airstrike on Rafah that killed 45 Palestinians.
Source: Reuters
More In Politics MORE...
