Israel-Hamas ceasefire/Biden: Negotiations were difficult, agreement includes 3 phases

2025-01-15 22:36:44Kosova&Bota SHKRUAR NGA REDAKSIA VOX
Biden, Harris and Blinken

United States President Joe Biden confirmed on Wednesday the reaching of a ceasefire agreement and the release of hostages between Israel and Hamas.

“I can announce that a ceasefire and hostage agreement has been reached between Israel and Hamas,” President Biden said from the White House. He said the agreement was reached after 15 months of suffering and will be accompanied by increased humanitarian aid to Gaza.

"The fighting in Gaza will stop and soon the hostages will return home to their families," he said.

"Today, after many months of intensive diplomacy by the United States with Egypt and Qatar, Israel and Hamas reached a ceasefire and hostage release agreement. This agreement will end the fighting in Gaza, increase much-needed humanitarian assistance to Palestinian civilians, and reunite hostages with their families after more than 15 months," President Biden said from the White House.

The agreement includes a complete ceasefire, the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza and the release of all hostages held by Hamas.

In his statement, Biden said that during the first phase of the ceasefire agreement, Palestinians can return to their homes, adding that humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip will increase.

He added that Israel and Hamas will negotiate the necessary agreements in the second phase for what would be a permanent end to the war. Biden further stated that the path to this agreement has not been easy and he calls it one of the most difficult negotiations he has experienced.

Acting US President Biden says he is pleased that this day has come, stating that with this agreement, the Palestinians can rebuild without Hamas.

Biden stated that he and President-elect Donald Trump's team spoke as a team in their efforts to reach the ceasefire agreement.

Biden's comments came shortly after President-elect Donald Trump claimed in a social media post that his election victory was what brought about the deal.

THE 3 STAGES OF THE AGREEMENT ACCORDING TO BIDEN:

–The first phase “complete ceasefire” : This phase will last six weeks and includes a complete ceasefire, the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza, and the release of hostages held by Hamas.

–Phase Two “End of War” : Involves negotiating an end to the war. If negotiations last longer than six weeks, the ceasefire will continue.

–Phase Three “Gaza reconstruction”: A reconstruction plan for Gaza will begin, humanitarian aid will increase, and displaced Palestinians will be able to return to neighborhoods in all areas of Gaza.

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