“End this war”: Biden backs Israeli plan for Gaza truce

In a major address, U.S. President Joe Biden announced that Israel has presented a new plan aimed at achieving permanent peace in Gaza, and urged Hamas to accept the proposal, declaring that it is “time for this war to end.”

Biden’s plan, which he outlined from the White House, involves a three-phase process beginning with a six-week complete ceasefire, during which Israeli forces would withdraw from all populated areas of Gaza.

“It’s time for this war to end, for the day after to begin,” Biden said. “Israel has offered a comprehensive new proposal. It’s a roadmap to an enduring ceasefire and the release of all hostages.”

Facing domestic pressure to resolve the Gaza conflict ahead of the upcoming presidential election against Donald Trump, Biden emphasized that the responsibility for peace lies with Hamas, whose attack on Israel on October 7 of the previous year initiated the ongoing conflict.

“Hamas needs to take the deal,” Biden stated, highlighting his administration’s significant military support for Israel throughout the conflict. He also noted that Israel’s offensive had severely weakened Hamas, asserting that “Hamas no longer is capable of carrying out another October 7.”

The first phase of the proposal includes a complete ceasefire, withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza’s populated areas, and the exchange of hostages and Palestinian prisoners. During this six-week period, Israel and Hamas would negotiate a lasting ceasefire, with the temporary truce remaining in effect as long as talks continue. The third phase would focus on long-term, internationally supported reconstruction efforts.

Following Biden’s address, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu asserted that the Gaza conflict would not conclude until Hamas’s capacity to govern and wage war was eliminated. Hamas, which received the proposal via Qatar, has demanded a permanent ceasefire and full Israeli withdrawal, yet indicated a positive reception to Biden’s speech.

Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh reiterated the group’s non-negotiable demands for a permanent ceasefire and full Israeli withdrawal. A senior U.S. official mentioned that the new Israeli proposal closely aligns with Hamas’s recent offers, though some minor differences remain.

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken communicated with leaders from Jordan, Saudi Arabia, and Turkey to advocate for the deal, emphasizing its benefits for both Israelis and Palestinians and its significance for regional security.

Biden’s address did not significantly cover Israel’s offensive in the southern Gaza city of Rafah, despite the ongoing international concern. A recent Israeli strike on Rafah had led to substantial casualties, drawing global attention and criticism.

Despite this, the White House maintained that the strike did not violate Biden’s conditions for continuing U.S. weapons support to Israel, labeling the attack as “devastating” but within the established limits.