Washington D.C. – President Joe Biden announced on Friday that Israel has put forth a new proposal aimed at achieving a ceasefire with Hamas in Gaza and the release of all hostages held by the militant group. This proposal, transmitted by Qatar to Hamas, outlines a six-week first phase involving a full ceasefire, withdrawal of Israeli forces from populated areas in Gaza, and the release of select hostages in exchange for hundreds of Palestinian prisoners. The move comes after a pause in indirect talks between Israel and Hamas on the hostages’ release three weeks ago due to disagreements over certain terms.
Hamas declared on Thursday its readiness to reach a comprehensive agreement that includes a complete hostage and prisoner exchange deal if Israel halts its offensive in Gaza. The group expressed frustration with ongoing negotiations, accusing Israel of using talks as a cover to continue its aggression in Gaza. In contrast, Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has been firm in his stance that the conflict must persist until Hamas is eradicated.
The White House commented on images from the conflict as “heartbreaking” but stated that the incident did not breach President Biden’s criteria for withholding certain US weapons shipments to Israel. Biden had refrained from addressing the situation in Israel for several days. Earlier in the day, Israel’s forces entered central Rafah in southern Gaza, an area warned by Biden not to be targeted in a major ground operation.
As negotiations progress to secure the release of hostages in exchange for a temporary ceasefire, Israel has recently proposed new measures to facilitate their release. President Biden, back at the White House after his stay in Delaware, will be monitoring the situation closely. In an interview earlier this month, Biden hinted at limiting US arms to Israel in case of a military operation in Rafah. However, uncertainties remain regarding the specifics of such a decision, prompting frustration and confusion regarding Biden’s position on the matter.
White House officials clarified this week that a major ground invasion of Rafah would serve as a trigger for a shift in policy. National security spokesman John Kirby emphasized that a substantial ground incursion involving tens of thousands of troops would signal a major operation. The situation remains fluid, and updates will be provided as events unfold.