US President urges both sides to consider a deal as he calls for an end to the fighting

US President Joe Biden has called for the war between Israel and Hamas to “end” and announced a new peace plan, urging both sides to negotiate a ceasefire agreement. The proposed deal would focus on securing the return of Israeli hostages taken by Hamas during the October 7 attack and include plans for rebuilding civilian areas in Gaza that were destroyed by Israeli airstrikes.

In a statement on Friday, President Biden emphasized the urgency of peace, stating that leaders from both sides must not “lose this moment.” He revealed that Hamas had responded positively to the proposal, with the group confirming its readiness to engage in constructive talks based on a permanent ceasefire, the full withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza, the reconstruction of the region, and the return of displaced people.

Foreign Secretary Lord David Cameron also voiced support for the ceasefire plan, urging Hamas to accept the terms in order to bring an end to the fighting. He wrote on social media: “With a new hostage agreement on the table, Hamas must accept this deal so we can see a stop in the fighting, the hostages released and returned to their families and a flood of humanitarian aid into Gaza.”

President Biden, speaking at the White House, acknowledged that some in Israel might oppose the deal, particularly those within the Israeli government who advocate for a prolonged military campaign. He urged Israeli leadership to embrace the deal, despite potential opposition. Biden emphasized his longstanding commitment to Israel and warned that this moment for peace could be lost if the opportunity is not seized.

The proposed plan consists of three phases. The first phase involves a six-week ceasefire to allow for negotiations toward a permanent peace agreement. The second phase would see Hamas release all remaining hostages and Israel withdraw all forces from Gaza. The final phase would focus on rebuilding Gaza’s infrastructure, offering a major reconstruction plan.

This latest push for peace follows Israel’s war in Gaza, launched in response to Hamas’s deadly attack, which resulted in the deaths of approximately 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and the abduction of about 250 hostages. Israel estimates that 100 hostages are still being held in Gaza, alongside the bodies of around 30 others. While previous ceasefire talks had faltered, Biden’s new proposal represents a significant attempt to resolve the ongoing conflict.