President Biden recently outlined a three-stage peace plan to end the conflict in Gaza. The first phase of the plan involves an immediate ceasefire, with Israel withdrawing from main population centers, hostages being released, aid flowing into Gaza, and displaced civilians being allowed to return home. Negotiations for a permanent ceasefire would take place during this phase.
However, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has disputed the reported ceasefire agreement, stating that Hamas has requested amendments. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken confirmed that negotiations are ongoing with both parties. Despite the proposal being supported by multiple countries and the UN Security Council, Hamas has not officially signed off on it due to concerns about Israel’s demands in the second phase of the agreement.
According to AP sources, there are discrepancies in desires between Israel and Hamas. Hamas seeks an end to the war and the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza, while Israel aims to eliminate the military capabilities of Hamas. The United States is caught in a difficult position between supporting Israel and meeting the demands of the Democratic electorate. Both sides are working towards coming to an agreement that satisfies their respective goals but have yet to finalize a plan that all parties can agree on.
