(NewsNation) — President Joe Biden called on Hamas to accept the terms of a cease-fire deal that would bring an end to the conflict in Gaza.
Biden has faced criticism for his handling of the war as Israel has continued to operate in Gaza, which is now undergoing a humanitarian crisis.
In his remarks, the president laid out a three-phase plan that is being presented by Qatar, a country that has acted as an intermediary in negotiations with Hamas.
The first phase of the deal, which Biden laid out in the most detail, would include a complete cease-fire and withdrawal of Israeli forces from populated areas along with a surge in humanitarian assistance of 600 aid trucks per day.
Gazans would be able to return to their homes in all parts of the territory, including the north, and Hamas would release a number of hostages, including women, the elderly and those sick or injured as well as the remains of some hostages who have been killed in exchange for the release of hundreds of Palestinian prisoners held in Israel.
The second phase would include negotiations for a permanent cessation of hostilities. If those continued past six weeks, the cease-fire would continue so long as negotiations were happening. This phase would also include the release of all living hostages in exchange for the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza.
The third phase would include a major reconstruction plan for Gaza, which has been devastated by Israeli attacks, and the remains of all hostages who were killed being returned to their families.
Negotiations for a cease-fire have been a struggle, with Hamas previously agreeing to a deal that collapsed when Israel did not agree to the terms.
Biden acknowledged that some in Israel, including some in government, would not support the deal. He said the reason a deal could be made at all is because Israel has destroyed Hamas’ capabilities to a point where the group would be unable to conduct another attack like October 7.
The proposal came after Israel recently announced it is planning to expand military operations in Rafah, a city in the south of Gaza where many Palestinians fled after facing evacuation orders in the northern part of the Gaza Strip.
While Biden and other international leaders warned Israel against military action in Rafah, the administration indicated the country’s actions so far did not cross a red line.
Protests broke out across the country earlier this month from those who want the U.S. to call for a cease-fire and withdraw support from Israel in the conflict. Biden spoke directly to those calling for an end to the fighting, saying they should pressure leaders to accept the deal if they want peace.
Biden also made brief remarks on former President Donald Trump’s conviction on 34 felony charges, suggesting it is “irresponsible” to suggest the trial was rigged, which is a claim Trump and his allies have been making from the start.
Biden noted that Trump faced the same judicial process as every American, with a jury that was chosen the same way every other jury is and also has the same right to appeal as any other American.
He did not respond to reporter questions about Trump’s claims that he is a political prisoner as he exited the room.
