The United States hopes that Israel will accept the new cease-fire plan announced to end the ongoing war in Gaza, if Hamas agrees.
This was stated by the spokesman of the country’s National Security Council, John Corby.
US President Joe Biden unveiled the ceasefire plan last week.
It said the ceasefire would be implemented in three phases, with the first phase beginning with a six-week ceasefire.
At that time, Israeli troops will be withdrawn from the populated areas of Gaza. Humanitarian aid will be provided.
The plan also calls for an exchange of prisoners and hostages between Hamas and Israel.
The United States expressed hope that Israel would agree to this ceasefire proposal.
However, several members of Israel’s cabinet have already opposed the proposal.
The cease-fire proposal came as the Israeli military stepped up airstrikes on the Gaza city of Rafah.
All of Rafah’s 36 shelters are now empty after being forced to flee under attack, according to UNRWA, the United Nations agency that works for Palestinian refugees.
IMAGE SOURCE,GETTY IMAGES
On the other hand, at least another 1.7 million people are estimated to have been displaced in parts of central Gaza and the city of Khan Yunis combined.
In an interview given to American media ABC News on Sunday, the spokesman of the country’s National Security Council Mr. Corby said Israel would also “say yes” to the cease-fire proposal if Hamas agreed.
“We are now waiting to receive an official response from Hamas,” said Mr. will do
He also hoped that both Israel and Hamas would agree to implement the first phase of the announced ceasefire plan “as soon as possible”.
US National Security Council spokesman John Corby also expects the two sides to meet during the six-week ceasefire.
“Both sides will meet at this time and discuss and decide what the second phase of ceasefire will look like and when it can be started,” said Mr. will do
The United States hopes that Hamas will agree to the cease-fire proposal at this stage.
Because, the intelligence of the country thinks that Hamas has become much weaker militarily than before.
So they cannot repeat another attack like last October 7th.
“We are not saying that they (Hamas) are no longer a threat to the Israeli people. Of course they are a threat,” said Mr. will do
“But they don’t have the military capability (now) to do what they did (in the past),” added Mr. will do
US President Joe Biden last week outlined a new proposal for a ceasefire in Gaza.