Biden announces Israel’s proposed Gaza ceasefire deal for Hamas

President Joe Biden announced Israel’s three-part proposal for “an enduring ceasefire” between Israel and Hamas and the release of all hostages held in Gaza.

“Hamas needs to take the deal,” Biden told reporters Friday during a State Dining Room address at the White House.

The first phase of Israel’s “comprehensive” roadmap, if agreed to by Hamas, would include a six-week ceasefire, according to Biden.

That “full and complete ceasefire” would include the “withdrawal of Israeli forces from all populated areas of Gaza” and the “release of a number of hostages including women, the elderly, the wounded, in exchange for the release of hundreds of Palestinian prisoners,” Biden said.

Phase two would include the exchange of all remaining living hostages, including male soldiers, and Israel withdrawing from Gaza, according to Biden. The third phase would include “a major reconstruction plan for Gaza” and “any final remains of hostages who’ve been killed” being “returned to their families,” the president said.