On Friday evening it was announced that the Israeli representation had approved a new draft ceasefire in the Gaza Strip. Like previous proposals, this involves three phases and has already been sent to war enemy Hamas.
According to a senior US government official, the proposal is laid out in detail on four and a half pages. It is “almost identical to what Hamas itself proposed a few weeks ago.” The first phase would last six weeks and include a complete and indefinite ceasefire. Israeli forces would withdraw from all densely populated areas of the Gaza Strip.
In return, Hamas must release certain hostages, including women, the elderly and the wounded. The remains of some of the victims who died must also be handed over to their families. Israel would in turn release hundreds of Palestinians from prisons.
Humanitarian aid during ceasefire
According to the new draft, after the ceasefire comes into effect, humanitarian aid will be brought to the coastal area and clean-up work will begin. During this phase, a definitive end to the fighting will also be negotiated. All remaining living hostages must then be released, including soldiers. According to the US government, the Israeli army must withdraw completely from the Gaza Strip. Six weeks are also planned for this process.
In the third phase, reconstruction would begin in the Gaza Strip. This will take three to five years and will be supported by the US government and the international community. At that time, the last remains of slain Israeli hostages would be returned to their families.
Surprising announcement
The fact that US President Joe Biden publicly announced all these details (see video above) is surprising and could be intended to increase pressure on both sides. It’s time to end the war, he said at the White House on Friday. Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh reiterated Friday that a permanent ceasefire and a complete withdrawal of the Israeli army are “non-negotiable.”
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced that the war would only end when Hamas was no longer able to govern or wage war. All objectives stated in the agreement must be achieved. Mediators from Egypt, Qatar and the US have been trying to reach an agreement for months, but have so far failed.
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
