Not sure why this hasn’t been reported here yet since it’s on all the major media now. From nbcnews an hour ago:
President Joe Biden announced Friday that Israel has proposed a three-part plan that would ultimately lead to a permanent cease-fire in the Gaza Strip, as well as the release of all hostages who have been held there for the last eight months.
Speaking from the White House, Biden said that the proposal comes after intensive diplomacy carried out by his team. The plan has been relayed to Hamas via Qatar, one of the main mediators in negotiations.
The really interesting thing is that this is being released on the eve of the Sabbath in Israel (Sundown Friday until sundown Saturday), so no “official” response from Israel is expected for 24 hours — so does Biden really have buy-in from Netanyahu regarding a permanent cease-fire in Gaza in exchange for the release of all the hostages, or is he trying to do an end run around the Israeli PM and potentially bring about his political downfall if he continues to stand in the way?
The plan's first phase would start with six weeks of a full and complete cease-fire, including the withdrawal of Israeli forces from populated areas of Gaza, and the release of women and children being held hostage, Biden said during the surprise announcement. This initial stage would also include a surge of humanitarian assistance, with 600 trucks carrying aid into Gaza every day.
Biden said that, in that first phase, Israel and Hamas would negotiate a permanent cease-fire and admitted that there could be major hurdles.
"I’ll be honest with you, there are a number of things to be negotiated to move from phase one to phase two," he said.
The president said that phase two wouldn't begin until all agreements are reached. That second stage would involve the release of all living hostages in exchange for Palestinians imprisoned in Israel.
The final phase would be the start of a major reconstruction plan in Gaza and the return of the remains of deceased hostages to their families.
“I’ve urged the leadership in Israel to standby behind this deal, regardless of whatever [political] pressure comes," Biden said.
Hamas did not immediately respond to the proposal. It said in a statement Thursday that, if Israel stops its war in Gaza, it would be prepared "to reach a complete agreement that includes a comprehensive exchange deal."