White House national security spokesperson John Kirby said on Sunday that if Hamas agrees to the deal to end the Gaza war, the US expects Israel to also accept the plan. "This was an Israeli proposal. We have every expectation that if Hamas agrees to the proposal – as was transmitted to them, an Israeli proposal – then Israel would say yes," Kirby stated in an interview on ABC News' "This Week" program.
The White House has put forth a multi-stage peace proposal aimed at resolving the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas in Gaza. The plan, detailed by Kirby, outlines a phased approach to achieve a lasting ceasefire and address humanitarian concerns in the region. The first stage calls for a six-week ceasefire, during which the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) would withdraw from populated areas in Gaza. This aims to reduce hostilities and create a stable environment for negotiations while allowing aid delivery.
Following the ceasefire, the second stage involves exchanging Israeli captives and Palestinian prisoners, along with a "surge" of humanitarian aid like medical supplies, food, and shelter to Gaza. In the final phase, negotiators will work towards a permanent ceasefire and the reconstruction of clinics, schools, universities, and religious buildings damaged during the conflict.
Delegations from the United States and Israel ended a meeting in Cairo at which Egypt stuck to its position that Israel must withdraw from the Palestinian side of the Rafah crossing for it to operate again, Egypt's al Qahera News TV reported on Sunday citing a senior source.
