Biden Says Hamas Is ‘No Longer Capable’ of Carrying out Another Major Attack Against Israel

Washington: US President Joe Biden on Friday urged Hamas to accept a fresh ceasefire deal in Gaza. Detailing specifics of latest effort during a televised dress, Biden laid out a three-part, Israeli proposal that would not only allow Gazans to return to ir homes across Strip but would also see hostage-prisoner swaps between Israel and militant group. Furrmore, as a response to escalating humanitarian crisis in Gaza, US President said 600 trucks carrying aid would be sent into enclave on a daily basis. 

Phase-1: Exchange of prisoners for hostages

All this would take place during first of three phases. This six-week phase, Biden emphasised, would see a complete ceasefire in Gaza, with Israeli troops withdrawing from all populated areas of Strip. As for aforementioned hostage-prisoner exchange, Biden said that women, elderly and injured hostages would be released by armed groups in Gaza in exchange for hundreds of Palestinian prisoners held in Israeli prisons. 

This phase would also see remains of hostages who have died during captivity being returned to ir families. 

It will also be during this phase that Hamas and Israel would continue negotiations for phase two which Biden characterised as a ‘permanent end to hostilities’. Biden notes that two sides will likely have several details to work out before second phase can be actualised but significantly noted that ceasefire would not come to an end even after first six-week phase ends so long as both sides continue to negotiate. 

Phase-2: A bid for permanent cessation of hostilities

During second phase, whenever it happens, all hostages, including male Israeli soldiers, will be released. In return, Israeli forces will completely withdraw from Gaza. Biden said, “As long as Hamas lives up to its commitments, temporary ceasefire would become, in words of Israeli proposal, a cessation of hostilities permanently.

Phase-3: Major reconstruction plan for Gaza

Finally, in phase three, a major reconstruction plan for Gaza would be set in motion. 

Biden capped off his dress by assuring people of Israel that y can make this offer to Hamas knowing that re is no furr risk to ir security “because y have devastated Hamas forces over past eight months.”

“At this point, Hamas is no longer capable of carrying out anor October 7 attack,” he ded. 

He acknowledged that re would be those in Israel, including some in ministration, who would not agree to this plan and would want to continue fighting in Gaza, with hostages not being a major priority for m but called on Israeli leership to resist such pressures and push forward with this proposal.