Jambiflash.com – U.S. President Joe Biden stated that the Israel-Hamas war must end immediately.
Biden also warned Israel not to occupy the region inhabited by approximately 2.3 million people.
According to Biden, the framework of the ceasefire proposal he put forward in May was agreed upon by both Israel and Hamas, but there are still gaps that need to be closed.
“So, I am sending a team to the region to finalize the details,” Biden said, quoted by Reuters, Friday (7/12/2024).
CIA Director William Burns and U.S. envoy to the Middle East Brett McGurk are in the Middle East to meet mediators, including Israeli officials, to discuss the ceasefire agreement.
Biden acknowledged that achieving a ceasefire in Gaza is a complex issue. There are still desires from both sides that need solutions.
“We are making progress, the trend is positive. I am determined to finalize this agreement and end the war, which must end now,” he said.
At the end of May, Biden proposed a three-phase ceasefire plan, including the exchange of Israeli hostages in Gaza for Palestinian prisoners, the withdrawal of Israeli troops from Gaza, and reconstruction.
Hamas agreed to the key parts of the U.S. proposal after easing its demands, namely that Israel must first commit to permanently halting attacks before signing the agreement. Hamas agreed that the discussion on a permanent halt to attacks would be addressed in the first phase of the six-week ceasefire.
Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu emphasized that the agreement should not prevent Israel from continuing the war until its goal of eliminating Hamas is achieved. This point is seen as a barrier to the ceasefire agreement. (uda)
