USA's President Joe Biden claims that Israel is still ready to move forward with the latest proposal for a ceasefire and the release of hostages in Gaza.
Biden spoke with Qatar's Emir Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani on Monday. In the conversation, the American president confirmed that "Israel is ready to move forward with the conditions now offered to Hamas," according to a White House statement.
"I urged Amir Tamim to use all necessary means to secure Hamas's acceptance of the agreement," Biden wrote on X.
Hamas is now the only obstacle to achieving a ceasefire, Biden claims, according to the White House.
The ceasefire plan was presented by Biden on Friday and was described as one developed by Israel. However, it is unclear how Israel actually stands on the proposal.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has since vowed to continue the war on the Gaza Strip until Hamas is eradicated, regardless of what happens in the negotiations.
Palestinian Hamas appears to see the proposal "positively," Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry hinted on Monday. However, he said the ball is in Israel's court.
The US has mediated between Israel and Hamas, along with Egypt and Qatar, to reach an agreement. On Monday, the US also urged other members of the UN Security Council to support the latest proposal.
The ceasefire proposal reported to be on the negotiating table consists of three phases.
The first phase lasts six weeks and involves a complete ceasefire, Israeli forces withdrawing from "all populated areas in the Gaza Strip," and the exchange of a number of hostages for hundreds of Palestinian prisoners.
Phase two is dependent on the parties first agreeing on "necessary arrangements." However, if this happens, it would mean a permanent end to the hostilities, the release of all remaining hostages, and the withdrawal of all Israeli forces from the Gaza Strip.
In the third phase, the remains of the hostages who are no longer alive will be returned, and a comprehensive reconstruction plan will be launched.
