Hamas 'views positively' ceasefire proposal laid out by Biden
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Hamas confirms its readiness to "deal positively and in a constructive manner" with any proposal that is based on a permanent ceasefire and the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza.
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Members of al-Qassam Brigades, the Hamas military wing, attend a memorial for Mohamed Zouari in the southern Gaza Strip town of Rafah on January 31, 2017. (AFP)
Hamas "views positively" the contents of US President Joe Biden's speech earlier on Friday regarding "a permanent ceasefire, the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza, reconstruction and the exchange of prisoners," the Palestinian Resistance group said in a statement.
Biden unveiled a three-phase Israeli proposal he called a "roadmap to an enduring ceasefire."
The movement confirmed its "readiness to deal positively and in a constructive manner with any proposal that is based on the permanent ceasefire and the full withdrawal [of Israeli forces] from the Gaza Strip, the reconstruction [of Gaza], and the return of the displaced to their places, along with the fulfillment of a genuine prisoner swap deal if the occupation clearly announces commitment to such deal."
In statement asserted that the US stance and the growing regional and international conviction of the need to end the war on Gaza are the outcomes of what it described as the "legendary" resilience of the Palestinian people and their Resistance during nearly eight months of continuous war on the Gaza Strip.
The announcement came shortly after Biden laid out the new proposal that involves releasing Israeli captives held by the Palestinian Resistance in exchange for a ceasefire in Gaza.
The US President claimed that this is the most effective step toward de-escalating the ongoing war, adding, "With a ceasefire, that aid could be safely and effectively distributed to all who need it."
"As someone who's had a lifelong commitment to Israel, as the only American president who has ever gone to Israel at a time of war, as someone who just sent the US forces to directly defend Israel when it was attacked by Iran, I ask you to take a step back, think what will happen if this moment is lost," he stressed. "We can't lose this moment."
"It's time for this war to end and for the day after to begin," emphasized Biden, who is under the pressure of an election year amid the ongoing Israeli aggression.
Three-phase plan for Gaza ceasefire detailed
The three phases announced by the US President are as follows:
In phase one: A six-week complete ceasefire would be implemented. During this period, Israeli forces would withdraw from Gaza, and Israeli captives, including the elderly and women, would be exchanged for hundreds of Palestinian detainees. Palestinian civilians, including those in northern Gaza, would be returned, and 600 trucks daily would deliver humanitarian aid.
In phase two: Negotiations between Hamas and "Israel" would commence to establish terms for a permanent end to hostilities. Biden emphasized that the ceasefire would persist during these talks.
In phase three: A comprehensive reconstruction plan for Gaza would be initiated. Qatar has conveyed the proposal to Hamas, according to Biden. The US President also urged those in "Israel" advocating for prolonged war to reconsider their stance.
Read more: Hamas says not to pursue negotiations amid Israeli war on Gaza
