President Joe Biden has revealed that discussions regarding the recent ceasefire between Israel and Hamas will extend beyond the initial temporary agreement. The proposed phase two of the deal aims to achieve a permanent end to the conflict.
During a recent address, President Biden emphasized the importance of transitioning to phase two within the next six weeks. He reiterated the goal of securing a lasting peace, stating, 'A permanent end of the war is our objective.'
While acknowledging that there are several details to be ironed out during negotiations, Biden assured that the ceasefire will remain in place as talks progress. He also confirmed that American representatives will be involved in the process of releasing hostages as part of phase one.
As part of the agreement, Hamas and other militant groups are set to release 33 hostages taken from Israel during the conflict in October 2023. In return, Israel will release hundreds of Palestinian prisoners. Additionally, Palestinians will be allowed to return to their neighborhoods in Gaza, and humanitarian aid efforts in the region will be bolstered.
Looking ahead to a potential phase three, President Biden outlined plans for the return of remains of deceased hostages to their families. Furthermore, a comprehensive reconstruction initiative for Gaza is slated to commence, signaling a commitment to long-term stability and recovery in the region.
The proposed ceasefire deal represents a significant step towards resolving the longstanding conflict between Israel and Palestine. With continued negotiations and international involvement, there is hope for a lasting peace that benefits all parties involved.
