• Friday, 20 December 2024

Biden announces Israeli plan for ceasefire in Gaza

Biden announces Israeli plan for ceasefire in Gaza

Washington, 31 May 2024 (dpa/MIA) - US President Joe Biden has presented a new ceasefire proposal from Israel and called for an agreement to stop the Gaza war.

"We can't lose this moment," Biden said at the White House on Friday.

Israel had presented a plan which envisaged three phases of de-escalation - including Israel's withdrawal from Gaza - and it has been sent to Palestinian Islamist group Hamas, which has controlled the Gaza Strip.

"It's a roadmap to an enduring ceasefire and the release of all hostages," added Biden, who said aid to Gaza would also be boosted and hostages would be sent home under the deal.

If Hamas really wants a ceasefire, it could prove this by agreeing to the deal, the US president added. However, he also suggested Hamas would not be in power after any agreement was implemented.

Biden also believes Israel could enter into the deal without fearing for its own security.

After several months of war, Hamas is no longer in a position to carry out a terrorist massacre like the one on the Jewish state on October 7, Biden said.

"I know there are those in Israel who will not agree with this plan and will call for the war to continue indefinitely," Biden continued.

"Some are even in the governing coalition, and they have made it clear they want to occupy Gaza...I urge the leadership in Israel to stand behind this deal."

Photo: EPA