Biden Says Israel Has Proposed Ceasefire Plan in Gaza

Three-Phase Plan Would Lead to Permanent Ceasefire

Biden Urges Hamas to Accept Proposal

WASHINGTON, May 31 (Reuters) - President Biden announced Friday that Israel has proposed a three-part plan that would ultimately lead to a permanent cease-fire in the conflict in Gaza.

The plan, which Biden said was transmitted to the United States this week, would include a six-week withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza, followed by a period of negotiations between Israel and Hamas, and ultimately a permanent cease-fire.

Biden urged Hamas to accept the proposal, saying that it was time for the war to end.

"This is a serious and credible proposal," Biden said. "It has the potential to end the conflict and bring peace and security to both Israelis and Palestinians."

The Israeli government has not yet publicly commented on the plan. Hamas has said that it is willing to consider a cease-fire, but it has also vowed to continue fighting until its demands are met.

The conflict in Gaza has been ongoing for more than a week, and has resulted in the deaths of hundreds of people. The vast majority of the casualties have been Palestinian.

Biden's announcement came as he was wrapping up a four-day trip to the Middle East. He met with Israeli and Palestinian leaders, as well as leaders from Jordan and Egypt.

Biden said that he was hopeful that the Israeli proposal could lead to a breakthrough in the conflict.

"I believe that this is a moment of opportunity," Biden said. "We have a chance to end this conflict and bring peace and security to both Israelis and Palestinians."