Biden: it's time to end Hamas' war against Israel

U.S. President Joe Biden said it was time to end the war between Hamas and Israel. He announced a new comprehensive ceasefire agreement and the release of hostages taken by terrorists.

Biden made the announcement on May 31 in a speech at the White House, Sky News reports. The three-phase plan provides for the return of Israeli hostages from the Gaza Strip and the restoration of civilian areas of the enclave.

The first stage of the proposed agreement should be a six-week ceasefire, during which Israel and Hamas would agree on a permanent cessation of hostilities in Gaza. If the negotiations drag on, the ceasefire will last as long as it takes to reach an agreement, Biden added.

This first stage will also see the intensification of humanitarian aid – 600 trucks will be allowed into Gaza daily.

In the second stage, Hamas will hand over all remaining hostages, and Israel will withdraw all its forces from the Gaza Strip.

The last, third stage, according to Biden, will concern a "major reconstruction plan" for Gaza.

"Everyone who wants peace now must raise their voice and work to make it real. It's time for this war to end," the American leader said.

He also called on other Israeli officials to support the proposal, arguing that Hamas is no longer capable of carrying out another attack on Israelis, such as the one that took place on October 7, 2023.

"Israel has made its offer. Hamas says it wants a ceasefire. This agreement is an opportunity to prove whether they really mean it," Biden summarized.

The Israeli government and the Hamas terrorist organization reacted to Biden's plan for a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip. The Palestinian group stated that it "positively assesses the content of the three-stage ceasefire proposal."

The statement of the Palestinian militants says that Hamas reaffirms its readiness to positively and constructively consider any proposal based on a permanent ceasefire and the complete withdrawal of Israeli forces from the Gaza Strip. The terrorists also confirmed that they are allegedly ready to return prisoners to Israel.

A Palestinian official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said that Hamas's position signals a change in attitude on the part of the group, which in recent months has accused the United States of supporting Israel and obstructing ceasefire attempts.

The office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that he had authorized his negotiating team to present Biden's plan. At the same time, the head of the Israeli government insists that the war will not end until all its goals are achieved, including the return of all hostages and the destruction of Hamas military forces.

In addition, the Israeli military said that its forces have ceased operations in the Jabalia area of northern Gaza after several days of intense fighting, and continue to be in the Rafah area of southern Gaza to target the last major Hamas stronghold.

As reported by OBOZ.UA, the Israel Defense Forces for the first time in 19 years took full control of the entire so-called Philadelphia Corridor, the border between Gaza and Egypt.

Meanwhile, the United States did not recognize Israel's operation in Rafah as a "major offensive." Therefore, the White House "has no policy changes to speak of" regarding military support for Israel.

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