Joe Biden presents three-phase ceasefire proposal to end war in Gaza, calls for cooperation

In his efforts to end the bloody conflict in Gaza, US President Joe Biden has presented a new Israeli ceasefire proposal aimed at getting the warring parties to stop the fight.

Apart from ending hostilities in the besieged Gaza Strip, the three-phase deal seeks to free hostages held captive in the coastal enclave.

Mr. Biden said the proposal has been sent by Qatar to Hamas for their response.

The first phase, which Biden said would last for six weeks, would include what he called “a full and complete cease-fire,” and the withdrawal of Israeli forces “from all populated areas of Gaza.”

The second phase would include the exchange of all remaining living hostages, including male Israeli military personnel, and the full Israeli withdrawal from the Palestinian territory.

An unspecified number of hostages would also be released during this period, including women, the elderly, and the wounded, in exchange for the release of Palestinian prisoners.

He added that “As long as Hamas lives up to its commitments, a temporary cease-fire would become, in the words of the Israeli proposal, ‘the cessation of hostilities permanently.”

The final phase would see reconstruction of Gaza, where Israel has razed many parts of the coastal territory, and the remains of any dead hostages would be handed over.

The war in Gaza has killed more than 36,280 Palestinians and injured over 82,000 women and children, mostly affected.