Hamas has reportedly accepted the ceasefire proposed by the United Nations Security Council, signaling a willingness to start negotiations.
The resolution, drafted by the U.S. and approved by 14 out of 15 members of the council, marks a significant step after the eight-month conflict between Israel and Hamas, with only Russia voting against it.
Following the resolution’s passing, President Joe Biden emphasized Hamas’s commitment to ceasing hostilities as a positive step.
During a speech at the White House on May 31, Biden outlined a three-phase ceasefire proposal.
What’s Included in the Ceasefire Proposal?
The First Phase
Israeli forces will pull out of densely populated areas in Gaza after six weeks of a total ceasefire.
Hamas will release hostages, exchange hundreds of Palestinian prisoners for certain groups, allow humanitarian aid into Gaza, and return civilians to their homes.
If negotiations extend past the initial six weeks, the ceasefire will remain in place during further talks.
Second Phase
This phase aims at a permanent end to hostilities, involving the release of Israeli hostages and Israel’s complete troop withdrawal from Gaza.
Third Phase
The final phase envisions major reconstruction in Gaza, addressing the aftermath of the long-lasting conflict.
What’s the Current Situation?
While Hamas has agreed to the ceasefire, Israel’s position remains uncertain. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu initially supported Biden’s proposal but later cited discrepancies between the two sides.
Netanyahu mentioned that the Biden proposal lacked certain elements according to Israeli media reports.
Biden, urging Israeli leadership to back the agreement, faces the challenge of aligning both parties’ interests.
Antony Blinken, the U.S. Secretary of State, sees Hamas’s response as positive and is actively promoting the ceasefire in the region, meeting with Israeli leaders to advance the agreement.