An Israeli official has confirmed that the Gaza ceasefire proposed by US President Joe Biden has been accepted.
Ophir Falk, a foreign policy advisor to Benjamin Netanyahu, says it’s “not a good deal – but has been accepted”.
However, he told the UK’s Sunday Times that the proposal will still face fierce opposition from Israel’s far right.
The three-part plan would see aid delivered to Gaza, hostages freed by Hamas, and an eventual permanent end to the war.
Israel has now offered a roadmap to an enduring ceasefire – and the release of all the hostages.
Yesterday, this proposal was transmitted by Qatar to Hamas.
Today, I want to lay out its terms for the world. pic.twitter.com/0cdypBP9wb
— President Biden (@POTUS) May 31, 2024
It comes as families of hostages held by Hamas staged protests in Tel Aviv overnight, calling for the Israeli Government to back Biden’s proposal.
Menachem Getz is the uncle of Omer Neutra, who's been missing since October 7th.
“Since then, unfortunately, we don’t know anything and we don’t have any news regarding Omar and how he is,” he said.
“It’s very tough and it’s been eight months now where we’ve really been suffering.
“We really want to know something about him and now there’s hope for a deal which we are looking forward to.”
Biden ceasefire proposal
It’s understood that Joe Biden’s proposal has also been sent to Hamas for consideration through Qatar but has yet to be accepted.
The first phase would begin with a ceasefire, the release of some hostages, the withdrawal of Israeli troops from populated areas of Gaza, and the delivery of humanitarian aid.
Phase two would see the return of all living Israeli hostages, a withdrawal of troops from Gaza, and a permanent end to hostilities.
The third phase would see a major reconstruction plan for Gaza brought forward and the remains of deceased hostages returned to Israel.
US President Joe Biden delivers remarks on the Middle East in the White House in Washington DC, 31-5-24. Image: Associated Press / AlamyAnnouncing the plan last Friday in the White House, President Biden said it was a “truly decisive moment” for all parties involved.
“Israel has made their proposal. Hamas says it wants a ceasefire," he said.
"This deal is an opportunity to prove whether they really mean it.
"It’s time to begin this new stage, for the hostages to come home, for Israel to be secure, for the suffering to stop.”
"It’s time for this war to end and for the day after to begin," he added.
A previous ceasefire deal proposed last month was accepted by Hamas and rejected by Israel.
Over 35,000 people have been killed in Gaza since the war began on October 7th.
Main image: General views of Gaza. Image: Roger Garfield / Alamy Stock Photo
