In a recent address, President Joe Biden announced a three-phase cease-fire plan between Israel and Hamas, aimed at achieving a lasting peace. Despite this effort, the proposal is encountering significant resistance from various factions.
Biden emphasized that Israel’s military actions had significantly weakened Hamas, suggesting it was time to pursue peace. “It’s time for this war to end, for the day after to begin,” Biden declared, unveiling what he described as a comprehensive plan authored by Israel. However, he acknowledged the plan’s potential lack of support within Israel, including from members of its government coalition.
The proposal’s first phase includes a six-week cease-fire, the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza’s populated areas, and the release of a number of hostages and Palestinian prisoners. If Hamas adheres to these commitments, the cease-fire could become permanent, as outlined in the second phase.
Hamas responded positively in general to cease-fire discussions but has not commented directly on the latest proposal. Skepticism remains among U.S. officials about Hamas’s willingness to free all hostages without maintaining control over Gaza, a stance deemed untenable by both the U.S. and Israel. Hamas has also stipulated that it will not return to negotiations until Israel halts its military operations.
Biden’s proposal aims to create momentum towards peace, though he admitted that many details need further negotiation. The U.S. and Israel also face challenges in aligning their visions for Gaza’s future, with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu opposed to a Palestinian state and insisting on Israel retaining security control over Gaza post-conflict.
Richard Goldberg, a senior adviser at the Foundation for the Defense of Democracy, criticized the approach of treating Hamas as legitimate political actors, viewing them instead as brutal, Iran-backed terrorist organizations.
