US President Joe Biden on Wednesday announced a historic agreement on the Gaza conflict. He said that his administrative team and the team of incoming President Donald Trump have worked together to finalize this agreement. Three phases of this agreement have been outlined, which include provisions ranging from ceasefire to ensuring permanent peace.
Phase 1: Six-week ceasefire
Biden said the first phase of the agreement would begin with a six-week ceasefire.
- During this time, there will be negotiations between Israel and Hamas for the next procedures.
- There is a provision to extend the ceasefire period if the talks continue for a long time.
Provisions under the ceasefire:
- Phased release of hostages by Hamas.
- Release of Palestinian prisoners by Israel.
- Thousands of displaced people in Gaza allowed to return.
Second phase: steps towards lasting peace
The second phase aims to ensure a permanent ceasefire and peace in Gaza.
- This phase will see the release of all remaining surviving hostages, including male soldiers.
- There will be an agreement on the complete removal of Israeli forces from Gaza.
- The terms of a permanent ceasefire will be finalized.
Third phase: handing over remains of hostages to families
In the third phase, the remains of those hostages who have died will be handed over to their families.
- This process will be done on humanitarian grounds for both parties.
Biden’s statement: Victory for American diplomacy
In his statement, Biden described this agreement as his administrative achievement.
- “This is the same framework that I proposed in May 2024,” he said.
- Biden also informed about the approval of this plan by the United Nations Security Council.
- According to him, this agreement is the result of pressure on Hamas, change in regional equations, and rigorous efforts of American diplomacy.
Coordination with Trump Administration:
Biden instructed his team to maintain close coordination with Trump’s team as the agreement will be implemented during the next administration.
Trump’s response: Agreement “historic” and “epic”
President-elect Donald Trump called the deal “epic.”
- He called it the result of his policy and peace priority.
- Trump said on his social media platform Truth Social,
“This agreement is the result of my Administration’s policy of peace and bargain, which will ensure the security of all Americans and our allies.”
Thank you message from the US State Department
US State Department spokesman Matthew Miller praised Trump and his team.
- “President-elect Trump’s team has played a key role in finalizing this deal,” he said.
- Miller described Trump’s team’s participation in these talks as important.
Gaza conflict background
Millions of people have been affected so far in the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas in Gaza.
- 7 October 2023: Hamas launched a major attack on Israel, in which more than 1200 people died.
- After this Israel launched a retaliatory attack on Gaza, in which thousands of people lost their lives.
- The conflict has so far resulted in more than 46,000 deaths, and displaced 90% of Gaza’s population.
