Netanyahu has dismisses President Biden’s three-phase plan to cease hostilities

Tel Aviv June 01, 2024 (QJ)-Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has dismissed the possibility of a lasting ceasefire in Gaza until Israel achieves its goal of eradicating Hamas and rescuing hostages.

Netanyahu’s statement contradicts a proposal put forth by President Biden today that outlines a comprehensive three-phase plan to cease hostilities.

“We agreed that we want to return the hostages. But the war will not end until we achieve the objectives we set out for,” Netanyahu said.

In a recent speech addressing the Gaza conflict, President Joe Biden revealed that the U.S. had presented a new ceasefire proposal to Israel through Qatar to communicate with Hamas.

The proposal includes a six-week ceasefire period, which would begin with a complete cessation of hostilities, the withdrawal of Israeli troops from all areas inhabited by Gaza residents, and the release of elderly, injured, and female hostages in exchange for Hamas prisoners.

In the second phase, all living hostages, including soldiers, would be released as Israel initiates a full ceasefire.

The third phase involves the reconstruction of the Gaza Strip. Biden stated that if Hamas rejected this proposal, Israel would continue its military operations.