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Israel’s acceptance of a preliminary plan to end the Gaza conflict, proposed by US President Joe Biden, has stirred significant interest. An aide to Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu conveyed this development to Reuters on Sunday. However, the aide also highlighted Netanyahu’s reservations, describing the plan as “flawed” and in need of substantial further development.

Ophir Falk, chief foreign policy advisor to Netanyahu, elaborated on the situation in an interview with The Sunday Times. Falk acknowledged that while Israel has agreed to Biden’s proposal, it is not considered an optimal deal. He stressed the paramount importance of securing the release of all hostages and the eradication of Hamas as a genocidal terrorist organization. Falk also emphasized that numerous details still require careful consideration and resolution.

President Biden’s announcement on May 31 revealed that Israel had presented a proposal to Hamas, outlining an initial six-week ceasefire, a partial withdrawal of Israeli military forces, and the release of some hostages, all contributing to a “permanent end to hostilities.” Biden also underlined the plan’s aim to establish a better future for Gaza without Hamas in power, with negotiations being conducted through intermediaries.

The pressure on Netanyahu has intensified following Biden’s three-stage proposal, as reported by the Associated Press. The initial six-week phase involves a comprehensive ceasefire and the withdrawal of Israeli forces from densely populated areas of Gaza. Furthermore, hostages, including women, the elderly, and the wounded, are set to be released by Hamas in exchange for hundreds of Palestinian prisoners.

In the second phase, all remaining living hostages, including male soldiers, are to be released, and Israeli forces would withdraw from Gaza, as outlined in Biden’s proposal. The plan also includes a significant reconstruction effort for Gaza in the third phase, as the region faces extensive rebuilding in the aftermath of the war’s devastation. This multi-stage approach aims to address the complex issues at play in the Gaza conflict and represents a significant step forward in the efforts to achieve lasting peace in the region.

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