In what can be described as a three-stage plan for peace in Gaza, American President Joe Biden suggested a strategy that was met with an initially positive response from Hamas. Under this plan, the first step would see a six-week truce come into play, during which the Israeli military would retreat from all populated areas in Gaza, enabling the liberation of certain hostages, primarily the elderly and women. This would be in exchange for a number of Palestinian prisoners. This would also allow civilians to return home and facilitate the entry of 600 trucks of humanitarian aid into the region daily.
Following this, Israel and Hamas would discuss a lasting ceasefire, which Biden stipulated would be “as long as Hamas honour their obligations.” If these negotiations remain unresolved after six weeks, the initial ceasefire would be extended.
For the second stage, the complete swap of all existing alive hostages, inclusive of male military personnel would be carried out, and Israeli military would be required to leave Gaza, leading to the beginning of an enduring ceasefire.
In the final phase of Biden’s plan, a comprehensive reconstruction scheme for Gaza would be actioned, and the last bodies of deceased hostages would be returned to their families.
Biden, who is facing election year scrutiny to resolve the ongoing conflict, expressed urgency by saying, “It is time for this war to conclude and for the aftermath to begin.”
Hamas, who reportedly received this proposal from Qatar, released a favourable public statement, expressing that they are prepared to interact “constructively” on a proposal which embodies a continued ceasefire, Israel’s troops withdrawal, Gaza’s restoration, reintegration of displaced individuals, and an “authentic” prisoner trade deal, only if Israel publicly commits to such an agreement.
Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister, Binyamin Netanyahu, declared readiness to negotiate the deal, but remained determined that this conflict would not conclude until all their objectives are met. This includes the return of all Israeli hostages and the dismantling of Hamas’ military and political capabilities.
At the same time, the Israeli military announced the conclusion of operations in North Gaza’s Jabilia following days of significant conflict, while shifting focus to Rafah in South Gaza to target what they claim is the last significant stronghold of Hamas.
The dispute ignited on October 7th as a radical Palestinian organisation orchestrated an assault into the south of Israel using motorcycles, paragliders, and off-road vehicles. An estimated 1200 individuals lost their lives, with over 250 taken hostage based on records from Israel. In response, the Israeli armed forces embarked on an invasion of the Gaza Strip, a decision justified by Netanyahu as a move to dismantle Hamas, a hard-line Palestinian faction that wrested control of Gaza from the Fatah Palestinian group amidst bloody clashes back in 2007.
Efforts to broker a truce between Israel and Hamas through mediation from Egypt, Qatar among other entities, have repetitively faced a deadlock, with each faction pointing fingers at the other for the standstill. In a notable address, President Biden appealed to the Israeli authorities to remain resilient against internal factions within the governing coalition advocating for the perpetuation of the conflict indefinitely.
The postulated reason for these factions’ stance is their burning desire to subdue Gaza, maintain conflict through the years, and de-prioritise the safe return of hostages. Biden urged Israeli leaders to stick to this proposed agreement, despite mounting opposition. He implored the Israeli people not to squander this opportunity for a ceasefire.
Biden, the first and only US President to have visited Israel during a war, and who had recently dispatched American military support in defense of Israel during an Iranian attack, pleaded with them to backtrack and mull over the implications of losing this opportunity.
In a quandary, the Gaza war is placing the President under political pressure. Whilst Biden has always been a fervent pro-Israel advocate and wishes to ensure continued financial backing and support from the American pro-Israel community (crucial in the upcoming November 5 rematch against GOP ex-president Donald Trump), he faces opposing pressure from progressive members of his Democratic Party who are voicing their discontent at his handling of the crisis and the resulting harm caused to Gaza’s civilian population.
Palestinian health officials report that the Israeli assault has resulted in over 36,280 casualties in Gaza thus far, whereas the United Nations reports that the region is plunging into famine, threatening over a million residents with severe starvation.
In a bid to gather backing for their proposed plan, Antony Blinken, the US Secretary of State, as stated by the US State Department, communicated with his counterparts in Jordan, Saudi Arabia and Turkey. During talks with the Turkish foreign minister, Blinken emphasised the urgent need for Hamas to agree to the proposal and urged all nations in a relationship with Hamas to press for its immediate acceptance.
Showing solidarity with Israel, regardless of the partisan divide in the US, leaders from the Democratic-majority US Senate as well as the Republican-majority House of Representatives, warmly invited Israeli Prime Minister Mr Netanyahu to address a joint congress meeting. This week has been overshadowed by the aftermath of an Israeli airstrike in Rafah on Sunday, resulting in the death of 45 Palestinians.
Mr Biden voiced his distress at the situation faced by the Palestinian people amidst the war, on Friday. He said, “What the Palestinian population has endured in this conflict is nothing short of horrifying”. He also recounted disturbing footage from the deadly Rafah fire which occurred earlier this week. – Reuters
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