US President Joe Biden
US President Joe Biden has urged Hamas to accept a new Israeli proposal to end the conflict in Gaza.
The three-part proposal would begin with a six-week ceasefire in which the Israel Defense Forces would withdraw from populated areas in Gaza.
There would also be a surge of humanitarian aid, as well as an exchange of some hostages for Palestinian prisoners.
The deal would eventually lead to a permanent cessation of hostilities and a major reconstruction plan for Gaza.
Speaking at the White House on Friday, Mr. Biden said that the first phase of the proposed plan would include a full and complete ceasefire.
The ceasefire, he added, would allow more humanitarian aid to reach the beleaguered territory, with six hundred trucks carrying aid into Gaza daily.
Phase two would see all remaining living hostages returned, including male soldiers.
The third phase of the proposal would see the final remains of any deceased Israeli hostages returned, also a major reconstruction plan with US and international assistance to rebuild homes, schools and hospitals.
In his speech, Mr. Biden acknowledged that negotiations between phases one and two would be difficult.
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