US President Joe Biden unveiled Israel’s new plan for the Gaza Strip, urging Hamas to accept it and stressing that “we cannot let this opportunity for a deal slip away”.

The first phase will last six weeks and provides full ceasefire and withdrawal of Israeli forces from populated areas of Gaza. In this phase of the agreement the Palestinians will return to their homes.

During these six weeks, Israel and Hamas will proceed with negotiations on the next phase, which envisages a definitive end to hostilities. If the negotiation talks between the two extend beyond six weeks, the ceasefire will continue throughout.

The second phase of the agreement provides for the release of all hostages who are alive and the withdrawal of the Israeli army from Gaza.

In the third phase of the proposal envisages the elaboration of a major plan for the reconstruction of Gaza.

The American president pointed out that the proposal is now on the negotiating table, stressing that he knows there will be disagreements within Israel, including some within the government, but calling on the Israeli leadership to support the plan and resist the pressures of the dissenters.

“I know that some in Israel, even members of the government, will not agree with the plan,” Biden said, urging the Israeli leadership to support the deal, despite the pressure it may face. “I ask Israelis to take a step back and think about what will happen if this moment is lost“, he said, assuring that Hamas is no longer in a position to carry out another attack like the one on October 7, 2023. He also pointed out that there is a risk that Israel will be further isolated internationally if it continues the war.

Biden pledged that the US would ensure that Israel always has what it needs to defend itself.

The Israeli proposal has already been conveyed to Qatar and Hamas, and the mediator countries, Qatar and Egypt, are working to secure assurances that the Palestinian organization will not resume military operations against Israel, he continued.

“It’s time for this war to end,” Biden added, recalling that the Palestinians have experienced “hell” and “too many civilians have been killed.”