Three-phase Israel–Hamas war ceasefire proposal

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Three-phase Israel–Hamas war ceasefire proposal
"Three-Phase Proposal for a Durable Peace in the Middle East"
U.S. president Joe Biden announces Israel's three-phase ceasefire proposal.
Context
Drafted5 May 2024; 29 days ago (2024-05-05)
Mediators
Parties

The three-phase Israel–Hamas war ceasefire proposal is a proposed armistice to end the Israel–Hamas war and reconstruct the Gaza Strip. Initially drafted by mediators from Egypt and Qatar and endorsed by Hamas, the deal was later proposed by Israel and announced by the United States. The proposal is a serial initiative in three stages, beginning with a six-week ceasefire, the release of Israeli hostages and Palestinian detainees, and negotiations to reach a permanent ceasefire, followed by Israel's withdrawal from Gaza, and concluding with a reconstruction process lasting from three to five years and Israel's commitment to cease a blockade of Gaza.

In March 2024, Central Intelligence Agency director William J. Burns discussed a hostage deal with Mossad director David Barnea. That month, Israel and Hamas initiated hostage negotiations for the first time since December 2023, when discussions mediated between Egypt and Qatar reached an impasse. Following the World Central Kitchen aid convoy attack in April, efforts to reach a ceasefire agreement intensified; U.S. president Joe Biden spoke with Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu to rebuke Israel for the attack. The United States presented a proposal to release forty hostages in exchange for a six-week ceasefire. Israel suggested it was willing to restore "sustainable calm" in Gaza as part of a proposal formed by Egyptian intelligence and Israeli negotiators.

On 6 May, Hamas accepted a three-phase Egyptian–Qatari ceasefire agreement. Hours later, Israel ordered an evacuation of Rafah and initiated a military offensive in the city. Weeks later, Barnea, Burns, and Qatari prime minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani met in Paris to restore negotiations. On 31 May, Biden announced a three-phase ceasefire agreement drafted by Israel's war cabinet; Hamas expressed interest in the agreement. The following day, Netanyahu announced that Israel would not agree to a permanent ceasefire if Hamas retained its ability to govern and conduct military operations.

Background

Initial ceasefire and mediation

Main article: 2023 Israel–Hamas ceasefire

Following the 2023 Hamas-led attack on Israel and Israel's resulting declaration of war on Hamas, Egypt and Jordan began coordinating a response to avert an escalation of the conflict.[1] Attempts to reach a ceasefire were raised at the United Nations Security Council in October; Israel requested the resignation of United Nations secretary-general António Guterres after he referred to Israel's retaliation as unjustified collective punishment.[2] After Israel's invasion of the Gaza Strip, Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu rejected a ceasefire, equating a halt in fighting to the a surrender to Hamas and terrorism.[3] United States secretary of state Antony Blinken presented "humanitarian pauses" to countries in the region[4] but stated a ceasefire would allow Hamas to initiate a second attack on Israel.[5] An agreement was nearly reached, but forfeited after Israel's invasion of Gaza.[6]

In a press conference in November, Netanyahu stated a ceasefire would necessitate a return of Israeli hostages taken during the attack.[7] Saudi Arabia, Jordan, and Egypt intensified efforts to reach a ceasefire;[8] at the Joint Arab Islamic Extraordinary Summit, Iran and Saudi Arabia urged for a ceasefire.[9] The Washington Post reported on 18 November that the U.S. was nearing an agreement to release hostages and halt fighting, drafted during discussions in Doha, Qatar.[10] On 22 November, Israel and Hamas exchanged hostages for prisoners and held a four-day ceasefire.[11] U.S. president Joe Biden was critical to restoring negotiations, according to The Wall Street Journal.[12] Israel and Hamas extended the ceasefire for an additional two days and released additional hostages and detainees,[13] but Israel resumed its offensive after Qatari mediators could not resolve differences in terms.[14]

The U.S. government began urging Israel and Hamas to negotiate, according to National Security Council strategic communications coordinator John Kirby.[15] In December, Egypt provided a ceasefire plan obtained by the Associated Press that would gradually release hostages and form a Palestinian government to administer Gaza and the occupied West Bank, relinquishing control from Hamas.[16] Several days later, NPR reported on a revised proposal that would remove references to the governance of Gaza and the occupied West Bank.[17] Efforts at the United Nations Security Council failed to offer a ceasefire over concerns relating to aid monitoring by the United Nations.[18] By January, several Israeli commanders expressed beliefs that releasing hostages could only be achieved through diplomacy, according to The New York Times; general Gadi Eisenkot stated publicly that Israel should "rescue civilians, ahead of killing an enemy".[19]

Further ceasefire negotiations and convoy attack

Throughout January 2024, Egyptian and Qatari mediators suggested several proposals, ranging from weeks to months. Hamas officials stated the remaining hostages, estimated to number over a hundred, would be released if a favorable and comprehensive ceasefire was offered; Netanyahu rejected a permanent ceasefire if Hamas would be allowed to govern Gaza. Israeli officials suggested a permanent ceasefire if Hamas leaders went into exile, a deal opposed by Hamas.[20] On 25 January, the U.S. announced Central Intelligence Agency director William J. Burns would meet with Israeli, Egyptian, and Qatari officials. According to the U.S., Israel proposed a sixty-day ceasefire.[21] In discussions, officials discussed exchanging hostages, enhancing the Palestinian Authority, and improving Israel–Saudi Arabia relations in exchange for support of a Palestinian state.[22]

Approvals

April to May: Egyptian–Qatari 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 director 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.[23]

May to June: U.S. support

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.[24] 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.[25] 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.[26] On 1 June, Netanyahu stated the war would not end until Hamas is defeated militarily and operationally[27] and a permanent ceasefire as a "nonstarter".[28] The United States, Egypt, and Qatar issued a joint statement that day urging Israel and Hamas to finalize an agreement.[29] 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.[30] United States National Security Council spokesman John Kirby stated Israel would agree to the proposal if Hamas accepts the deal.[31]

On 2 June, an aide to Netanyahu stated Israel agreed to Biden's three-phase ceasefire proposal, but reserved that it was "not a good deal".[32]

Implementation

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.[33]

Second phase

In the second phase, Israel would entirely withdraw its troops from Gaza, releasing further Israeli hostages and Palestinian detainees.[33]

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.[33]

Responses

Israel

Minister of national security Itamar Ben-Gvir and minister of finance Bezalel Smotrich[34] threatened to resign if Israel agreed to the proposal prior to the destruction of Hamas.[25] Opposition leader Yair Lapid offered to support the government if the proposal was signed.[34] Thousands gathered in Tel Aviv the following day to express support of the deal and criticism towards Netanyahu.[26]

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".[35]

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.[26]

References

  1. ^ "Egypt and Jordan are trying to calm the conflict". The New York Times. 8 October 2023. Archived from the original on 28 October 2023. Retrieved 2 June 2024.
  2. ^ Fassihi, Farnaz (24 October 2024). "Cease-fire Calls Dominate Fiery U.N. Security Council Session". The New York Times. Archived from the original on 25 October 2023. Retrieved 2 June 2024.
  3. ^ Kershner, Isabel; Leatherby, Lauren; Yee, Vivian; Boxerman, Aaron (30 October 2023). "Israelis Advance on Gaza City, as Netanyahu Rules Out Cease-Fire". The New York Times. Archived from the original on 29 January 2024. Retrieved 2 June 2024.
  4. ^ "Arab Envoys Tell Blinken They Want Cease-Fire Now". Bloomberg News. 3 November 2023. Archived from the original on 4 November 2023. Retrieved 2 June 2024.
  5. ^ "Blinken says cease-fire in Gaza would 'leave Hamas in place'". The Washington Post. 4 November 2023. Retrieved 2 June 2024.
  6. ^ Abi-Habib, Maria; Rosenberg, Matthew (8 November 2023). "Israel and Hamas Nearly Struck a Deal to Free Up to 50 Hostages". The New York Times. Archived from the original on 4 April 2024. Retrieved 2 June 2024.
  7. ^ Berg, Matt (3 November 2024). "Israel will keep bombarding Gaza with 'all of its power,' Netanyahu says after Blinken calls for pause". Politico. Archived from the original on 30 May 2024. Retrieved 2 June 2024.
  8. ^ Nereim, Vivian (7 November 2023). "Arab States Intensify Pleas for Gaza Cease-fire as Public Anger Mounts". The New York Times. Archived from the original on 15 April 2024. Retrieved 2 June 2024.
  9. ^ Al Omran, Ahmed; Bayoumy, Yara (11 November 2023). "Iran and Saudi Arabia, Regional Rivals, Call for Gaza Cease-Fire". The New York Times. Archived from the original on 29 January 2024. Retrieved 2 June 2024.
  10. ^ DeYoung, Karen (18 November 2023). "U.S. close to deal with Israel and Hamas to pause conflict, free some hostages". The Washington Post. Archived from the original on 20 November 2023. Retrieved 2 June 2024.
  11. ^ Said, Summer; Lieber, Dov; Malsin, Jared (22 November 2023). "Israel, Hamas Reach Deal to Release 50 Hostages". The Wall Street Journal. Archived from the original on 15 December 2023. Retrieved 2 June 2024.
  12. ^ Said, Summer; Malsin, Jared; Lubold, Gordon; Kalin, Stephen; Lieber, Dov (23 November 2023). "Inside the Secret Israel-Hamas Negotiations to Release 50 Hostages". The Wall Street Journal. Archived from the original on 27 February 2024. Retrieved 2 June 2024.
  13. ^ Minsberg, Talya; Bayoumy, Yara; Yee, Vivian (27 November 2023). "Hamas and Israel Extend Cease-Fire for 2 Days, Qatar Says". The New York Times. Archived from the original on 2 April 2024. Retrieved 2 June 2024.
  14. ^ Kingsley, Patrick; Hubbard, Ben; Fuller, Thomas (27 November 2023). "Israel Resumes Offensive in Gaza Strip After Truce With Hamas Ends". The New York Times. Archived from the original on 7 December 2023. Retrieved 2 June 2024.
  15. ^ Baker, Peter; Demirjian, Karoun (3 December 2023). "U.S. Is Pressing Israel and Hamas to Resume Talks, White House Official Says". The New York Times. Archived from the original on 6 April 2024. Retrieved 2 June 2024.
  16. ^ Magdy, Samy; Jobain, Najib; Federman, Josef (December 25, 2023). "Egypt floats plan to end Israel-Hamas war. The proposal gets a cool reception". Associated Press. Archived from the original on 7 May 2024. Retrieved 2 June 2024.
  17. ^ Neuman, Scott; Estrin, Daniel; DeRose, Jason (27 December 2023). "The latest Israel-Hamas cease-fire proposal drops details of future governance of Gaza". NPR. Archived from the original on 25 May 2024. Retrieved 2 June 2024.
  18. ^ Fassihi, Farnaz; Kingsley, Patrick; Boxerman, Aaron; Levenson, Michael (20 December 2023). "Gaza Truce Talks Bog Down Over Disputes on Aid Inspections". The New York Times. Archived from the original on 15 May 2024. Retrieved 2 June 2024.
  19. ^ Boxerman, Aaron; Kingsley, Patrick; Rasgon, Adam (24 January 2024). "Israel and Hamas's Cease-Fire and Hostage Deal Proposals: What to Know". The New York Times. Archived from the original on 28 May 2024. Retrieved 2 June 2024.
  20. ^ Fassihi, Farnaz; Kingsley, Patrick; Boxerman, Aaron; Levenson, Michael (20 December 2023). "Gaza Truce Talks Bog Down Over Disputes on Aid Inspections". The New York Times. Archived from the original on 11 May 2024. Retrieved 2 June 2024.
  21. ^ Hudson, John; Parker, Claire (25 January 2024). "Biden to deploy CIA director to help broker major Gaza deal". The Washington Post. Archived from the original on 27 January 2024. Retrieved 2 June 2024.
  22. ^ Kingsley, Patrick; Wong, Edward (27 January 2024). "How Leaders and Diplomats Are Trying to End the Gaza War". The New York Times. Archived from the original on 16 May 2024. Retrieved 2 June 2024.
  23. ^ Politi, James; England, Andrew (31 May 2024). "Joe Biden announces new Israel-Hamas peace proposals". Financial Times. Archived from the original on 31 May 2024. Retrieved 1 June 2024.
  24. ^ Ramaswamy, Swapna (31 May 2024). "Israel has offered a plan for 6 week Gaza cease-fire and hostage release, Biden says". USA Today. Archived from the original on 31 May 2024. Retrieved 1 June 2024.
  25. ^ a b Kanno-Youngs, Zolan; Sanger, David (31 May 2024). "Biden Calls for End to Gaza War, Endorsing Israeli Cease-Fire Proposal". The New York Times. Archived from the original on 1 June 2024. Retrieved 1 June 2024.
  26. ^ a b c Soroka, Lior; Morris, Loveday; Bisset, Victoria; Pietsch, Bryan (1 June 2024). "Pressure builds on Netanyahu to advance Gaza cease-fire deal". The Washington Post. Retrieved 1 June 2024.
  27. ^ Boxerman, Aaron (1 June 2024). "After Biden's Push for Truce, Netanyahu Calls Israel's War Plans Unchanged". The New York Times. Archived from the original on 2 June 2024. Retrieved June 1, 2024.
  28. ^ Mednick, Sam; Shurafa, Wafaa (1 June 2024). "Israeli leader Netanyahu faces growing pressure at home after Biden's Gaza proposal". Associated Press. Archived from the original on 1 June 2024. Retrieved 1 June 2024.
  29. ^ "Families of hostages call for Israel and Hamas to accept cease-fire proposal pushed by Biden". CBS News. 1 June 2024. Archived from the original on 3 June 2024. Retrieved 1 June 2024.
  30. ^ Walker, Marcus; Said, Summer; Keller-Lynn, Carrie (1 June 2024). "Why Biden's Cease-Fire Push in Gaza Faces Tough Obstacles". The Wall Street Journal. Archived from the original on 3 June 2024. Retrieved 1 June 2024.
  31. ^ Debusmann, Bernd (2 June 2024). "US expects Israel will accept Gaza ceasefire plan if Hamas does". BBC News. Archived from the original on 3 June 2024. Retrieved 2 June 2024.
  32. ^ Clayton, Freddie (2 June 2024). "Netanyahu aide says Israel agreed to Biden's cease-fire plan for Gaza". NBC News. Archived from the original on 3 June 2024. Retrieved 2 June 2024.
  33. ^ a b c Jiménez, Jesus; Boxerman, Aaron (31 May 2024). "What We Know About the Latest Gaza Cease-Fire Proposal". The New York Times. Archived from the original on 1 June 2024. Retrieved June 1, 2024.
  34. ^ a b Lukiv, Jaroslav (1 June 2024). "Israeli ministers threaten to quit over ceasefire plan". BBC News. Archived from the original on 2 June 2024. Retrieved 1 June 2024.
  35. ^ Solender, Andrew (31 May 2024). "Gaza ceasefire plan draws rare bipartisan support in Congress". Axios. Archived from the original on 3 June 2024. Retrieved 1 June 2024.
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