US President Joe Biden on Friday asked Hamas to accept a new offer from Israel to stop fighting in Gaza. He said this is the best way to start ending the deadly conflict. Biden spoke from the White House and said, “It’s time for this war to end, for the day after to begin. We can’t lose this moment for peace.”
Biden mentioned that Israel made a new offer. It’s a plan to have a lasting ceasefire and to free all hostages. He also said that Hamas must accept the deal. Biden has helped Israel with military aid during the conflict.
The first part of the plan would be six weeks long. It includes a full ceasefire, Israeli forces leaving all cities in Gaza, and releasing some prisoners. These prisoners include women, old people, and the injured. In return, hundreds of Palestinian prisoners would be freed.
During these six weeks, Israel and Palestine would talk. They would try to make a lasting ceasefire. But if the talks continue, the ceasefire would stay.
Biden also said, “As long as Hamas keeps its promises, a temporary ceasefire would become permanent.”
Biden told about this plan after many tries to end the war did not work. Hamas wants the ceasefire to last forever. The group said it wants a big agreement. This includes swapping prisoners and Israel stopping its attacks.
Ismail Haniyeh leads Hamas’s office in Qatar. He said that some demands cannot change. These include a forever ceasefire and Israel leaving all cities.
Biden did not talk much about Israel’s attack on Rafah city.
Hamas ‘Ready for Deal’ If Israel Stops War
Hamas says it’s willing to make a deal with Israel if Israel stops fighting. Talks for a ceasefire have stopped many times. Both sides blame each other for the pause. Israel keeps attacking despite a court order to stop.
Hamas tells mediators it won’t negotiate during fighting. But it’s ready for a full agreement if Israel stops. Talks involve Egypt and Qatar among others. Israel is attacking the city of Rafah.
Hamas and other groups won’t negotiate during fighting. They face aggression and suffering from Israel. They tell mediators they’re ready for a deal. But only if Israel stops attacking Gaza.
Israel’s war must stop for a full agreement. Hamas is clear about this. They want to exchange prisoners too. But only if there’s peace.
To read our blog on “Israel to seize and challenge the Gaza-Egypt border,” click here
