U.S. President Joe Biden on Friday laid out what he described as a three-phase Israeli proposal for a cease-fire in Gaza in return for the release of Israeli hostages, saying "it's time for this war to end" and winning a positive initial reaction from Hamas.
The first phase involves a six-week cease-fire when Israeli forces would withdraw from "all populated areas" of Gaza, some hostages — including the elderly and women — would be freed in exchange for hundreds of Palestinian prisoners, Palestinian civilians would return and 600 trucks a day would bring humanitarian aid into the devastated enclave.
In the second phase, of indeterminate length, Hamas and Israel would negotiate terms of a permanent end to hostilities, with the cease-fire extending as long as talks continue. The third phase would include a major reconstruction plan for Gaza.
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