Hamas has expressed approval of US President Joe Biden’s recent appeal for a three-phase agreement with ‘Israel’, which aims to culminate in a permanent ceasefire in Gaza.
In a statement, Hamas declared, “The Islamic Resistance Movement Hamas views positively what was included in US President Joe Biden’s speech today.”
On Friday, President Biden called for ‘Israel’ and Hamas to adopt a three-phase plan that entails the release of Israeli hostages in Gaza, the withdrawal of Israeli forces from the enclave, the establishment of a permanent ceasefire, and the exchange of prisoners.
Biden’s proposal, elaborated in substantial detail, closely mirrors an agreement that Hamas accepted in early May. The principal divergence in Biden’s plan appears to be the absence of any mention of lifting Israel’s blockade on the Gaza enclave.
According to US media reports, the United States previously opposed the agreement that Hamas accepted prior to the Rafah incursion. However, CIA Director Bill Burns, who has been leading the US negotiating team, reviewed the agreement and subsequently secured US support for it.
On Friday, President Biden placed the responsibility for reaching an agreement squarely on Hamas, asserting that the group “needs to take the deal.” Meanwhile he appealed to ‘Israel’ not to miss the chance in pursuit of complete victory.
In response, Hamas reiterated in a statement its willingness to engage constructively with any proposal predicated on a permanent ceasefire, the complete withdrawal of Israeli forces from the Gaza Strip, reconstruction efforts, the return of displaced people to their homes in the north, and a comprehensive prisoner exchange.
Hamas also contended that Biden’s advocacy for a permanent ceasefire was a consequence of “the legendary steadfastness of our struggling people and their valiant resistance.”
Biden’s proposed plan delineates a six-week initial phase featuring a complete ceasefire across Gaza and the withdrawal of Israeli forces from all population centers. During this phase, Hamas would release hostages, including women, the elderly, and the wounded, in exchange for hundreds of Palestinian prisoners. Additionally, US citizens and the remains of deceased hostages would be released.
President Biden assured that Palestinians would be permitted to return to “all areas of Gaza,” and committed to facilitating the entry of 600 aid trucks into the enclave daily. This provision has been a critical point for Hamas and aligns with the terms of last ceasefire proposal.
Should ‘Israel’ and Hamas proceed with an agreement, mediators will be tasked with the intricate logistics of orchestrating a prisoner exchange.
Biden emphasized that transitioning from phase one to phase two of the proposal necessitates resolving several specific details. Nonetheless, he assured that the ceasefire would remain in effect as negotiations advance.
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