Israeli Israel–Hamas war ceasefire proposal

U.S. president Joe Biden announces the Israeli Israel–Hamas war ceasefire proposal.

The Israeli Israel–Hamas war ceasefire proposal is a proposed armistice by Israel to end its war with Hamas and reconstruct the Gaza Strip.

Background

Ceasefire discussions

In April 2024, Israel agreed to allow displaced Palestinians to return to the Gaza Strip and restore "sustainable calm". Hamas accepted the proposal the following month, but sought alterations undesired by Israel; hours later, Israel initiated the Rafah offensive, stalling discussions. That month, Mossad chief David Barnea, Central Intelligence Agency director William J. Burns, and Qatari prime minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani met in Paris to restore negotiations.

Approval

On 31 May 2024, U.S. president Joe Biden announced the proposal in the State Dining Room of the White House, endorsing the plan. The U.S. shared the plan with Hamas through Qatar. According to U.S. officials, Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu is unwilling to support a ceasefire and the release of hostages out of concerns that he will lose his premiership. Hamas expressed interest in operating within a proposal that includes a withdrawal of Israeli forces, a permanent truce, the return of Palestinians, and a prisoner exchange. U.S. secretary of state Antony Blinken spoke with his counterparts in Egypt, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates to garner support for the proposal. On 1 June, Netanyahu stated the war would not end until Hamas is defeated militarily and operationally and a permanent ceasefire as a "nonstarter". The United States, Egypt, and Qatar issued a joint statement that day urging Israel and Hamas to finalize an agreement.

According to The Wall Street Journal, Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar's intentions to secure the longevity of the organization conflict with Israel's intentions to defeat Hamas.

Process

First phase

In the first phase, a six-week ceasefire would be observed to negotiate a permanent end to the war. Israel would withdraw from populated areas in Gaza and the release of Israeli hostages and Palestinian detainees would occur.

Second phase

In the second phase, Israel would entirely withdraw its troops from Gaza, releasing further Israeli hostages and Palestinian detainees.

Third phase

In the third phase, Hamas would return the bodies of deceased hostages. A reconstruction process lasting from three to five years would begin with support from the United States, Europe, and other institutions.

Responses

Israel

Minister of national security Itamar Ben-Gvir and minister of finance Bezalel Smotrich threatened to resign if Israel agreed to the proposal prior to the destruction of Hamas. Opposition leader Yair Lapid offered to support the government if the proposal was signed. Thousands gathered in Tel Aviv the following day to express support of the deal and criticism towards Netanyahu.

United States

The proposal was co-signed by pro-Israel representatives Brad Schneider and Steny Hoyer and Israeli-critical senators Peter Welch and Greg Casar. Senate majority leader Chuck Schumer supported the deal. The proposal was opposed by senator Lindsey Graham, arguing that defeating Hamas was non-negotiable. Representative Mike Waltz argued that Hamas would be strengthened by continued discussions with Israel. Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene referred to the plan as "Hamas First".

International

The proposal was endorsed by French president Emmanuel Macron, Canadian prime minister Justin Trudeau, European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen, and diplomats from the United Kingdom and Germany.