Families of Israeli Hostages Urging Acceptance of Three-Phase Deal Outlined by Biden

As the conflict between Israel and Hamas enters its eighth month, families of Israeli hostages held by Hamas are urging both parties to accept a proposed three-phase deal put forward by President Joe Biden in order to bring their loved ones home.

President Biden's Proposal

Last Friday, President Biden presented a deal from Israel to Hamas, emphasizing that Hamas is currently incapable of launching another large-scale attack on Israel. The deal entails the release of around 100 remaining hostages and the bodies of approximately 30 individuals in exchange for an extended cease-fire in Gaza. President Biden stated, "It's a roadmap to an enduring cease-fire and the release of all hostages. This proposal has been transmitted by Qatar to Hamas."

Urgent Pleas from Hostage Families

Following President Biden's address, family members of the hostages stressed the critical need for prompt action from both Israel and Hamas to accept the proposed deal. Gili Roman, whose sister was previously held hostage, stated, "This might be the last chance to save lives. Therefore, the current state must be changed and we expect all to adhere to Mr. Biden's call for accepting the deal on the table, immediately."

Cease-fire negotiations had faltered last month after extensive efforts by the U.S. and other mediators to reach an agreement and prevent a full-scale Israeli invasion of Gaza's southern city of Rafah. Israel has confirmed its military operations in central parts of the city, emphasizing the necessity of the operation to dismantle Hamas fighters responsible for triggering the war.

Contentious Meeting with Israel's National Security Adviser

The families of the hostages described a challenging meeting with Israel's national security adviser, Tzachi Hanegbi, who conveyed that the government was not yet prepared to sign a deal to bring all the hostages home and that there was no alternative plan. It was revealed that Israel anticipates the war to continue for another seven months to weaken the military and governing capabilities of Hamas and the smaller Islamic Jihad militant group.

Heartbreaking Impact on Hostage Families

Amid the prolonged negotiations, many families of the hostages hold the government accountable for the deaths of individuals in captivity. Words from Sharone Lifschitz, whose parents were directly impacted, reflected the frustration and anguish experienced by the families of the hostages.

President Biden's Three-Phase Proposal

President Biden's proposed plan consists of three phases, aiming to bring an end to the conflict and initiate the process of rebuilding Gaza. The initial stage spans six weeks and involves a complete cease-fire, withdrawal of Israeli forces from populated areas of Gaza, and the release of a specific number of hostages, including vulnerable individuals.

The subsequent phase requires negotiations between Israel and Hamas for a permanent cessation of hostilities, encompassing the release of all remaining hostages and a complete withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza.

The third phase focuses on the commencement of extensive reconstruction efforts in Gaza, which has endured severe devastation during the conflict.

Reaction from Hamas

Hamas has expressed a positive view of President Biden's proposal, urging explicit commitment from the Israelis to uphold the agreement, including a permanent cease-fire, withdrawal of Israeli troops from Gaza, and a prisoner exchange.

Expert Analysis and International Response

According to analysts, while the proposed deal shares similarities with previous initiatives, it offers the potential for a temporary halt to the war. However, it retains the option for Israel to resume military operations if Hamas fails to fulfill its commitments under the agreement.