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May 31, 2024diplomaticIsrael Gaza warceasefire proposalhostagesdiplomacydiplomatic

Biden unveils three-phase Israeli ceasefire proposal from White House

President Biden addresses the nation from the White House to announce a three-phase Israeli ceasefire proposal. Phase 1 provides a six-week ceasefire with Israeli troop withdrawal from populated areas and release of some hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners. Phase 2 would return remaining living hostages including soldiers. Phase 3 would begin reconstruction of Gaza. Biden states that Hamas "can no longer carry out another October 7" and that "it is time for this war to end." Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu immediately insists the war will not end until Hamas is destroyed, undermining the proposal within the hour.