US President Joe Biden delivered a significant address on Friday, asserting that Israel had presented a new proposal aimed at achieving a lasting peace in Gaza. President Biden urged Hamas to accept the proposal, emphasizing that “it’s time for this war to end.”
The proposed roadmap consists of three phases, with the initial phase calling for a complete ceasefire over six weeks, during which Israeli forces would withdraw from populated areas of Gaza. President Biden highlighted Israel’s offer as a comprehensive plan for achieving an enduring ceasefire and the release of all hostages.
President Biden placed the responsibility for peace on Hamas, the Palestinian militant group, stressing that they need to accept the deal. Despite the significant degradation of Hamas by Israel’s offensive, President Biden emphasized the need for both sides to seize the opportunity for peace.
While the proposal has been positively received by Hamas, they maintain their core demands for a permanent ceasefire and full Israeli withdrawal. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has been actively engaging with regional counterparts to press for the acceptance of the deal.
However, President Joe Biden did not extensively address Israel’s recent assault on the southern Gaza city of Rafah. Despite international objections, the Israeli army pushed into the city center, causing further concern over the ongoing conflict.
The US president acknowledged the suffering of Palestinians, describing their situation as “sheer hell.” President Biden has faced international pressure over US support for Israel, particularly in the aftermath of a deadly strike on Rafah that resulted in numerous casualties.
As diplomatic efforts continue, the world watches closely to see if President Biden’s push for a truce will lead to a significant breakthrough in the Israel-Gaza conflict.
