President Biden recently presented a three-stage plan to resolve the conflict in Gaza. The initial phase of the plan calls for an immediate six-week ceasefire, with Israel withdrawing from Gaza’s main population centers and hostages being released. Women, the elderly, and the wounded would be among those exchanged for Palestinian detainees. Aid would flow into Gaza at the rate of hundreds of trucks daily, and displaced Palestinian civilians would return home.
The second phase of the plan involves a complete Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, the release of all remaining hostages, and the freedom of more Palestinian prisoners. The third phase entails the removal of rubble and reconstruction of Gaza with international support, as well as the return of deceased hostages’ remains.
However, Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu believes that the proposed ceasefire does not meet Israel’s requirements. Hamas has accepted the general outline but requested amendments. Negotiations with U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken continue.
There are tensions over several issues in negotiations, including hostage releases and Israeli presence in Gaza. Hamas refuses to sign any agreements without guarantees of war cessation and troop withdrawal.
Israel seeks to dismantle Hamas’s capabilities but faces challenges due to international pressure and internal politics.
Despite these efforts, disagreements persist on how to approach a lasting peace agreement in Gaza. The US struggles to take decisive action due to internal political challenges as Biden faces pressure from both sides.
The complexities of this conflict extend beyond Israel’s objectives, internal factions, and long-term solutions for Gaza.
Overall achieving a lasting ceasefire and addressing key demands remain significant obstacles to peace in this region.
