Joe Biden outlines new Israeli proposal for ceasefire in Gaza

4 months ago 40
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Live Reporting

Edited by Tiffany Wertheimer

All times stated are UK

  1. It's time for this war to end - Biden

    Biden finishes his remarks saying, "it's time to begin this new stage", to bring the hostages home, for Israel to be secure, for the suffering to stop.

    "It's time for this war to end, and for the day after to begin," he says.

    He then leaves without taking questions from the media.

  2. This has been heart-breaking on both sides - Biden

    The past eight months have seen heart-breaking pain on both sides, Biden says.

    He talks about the suffering of Israeli families who experienced Hamas's sexual violence and ruthless brutality on 7 October.

    Biden goes on to say too many people have been killed and wounded, including children, in Gaza, whose people have endured "sheer hell". He references the deadly strike and fire on Sunday in Rafah.

    There is nothing easy about addressing one of the world's most complicated security situations, the president adds.

  3. Biden urges Hamas to 'take the deal'

    Biden says this is "truly a decisive moment".

    "Israel has made their proposal, and Hamas says it wants a ceasefire - this deal is an opportunity prove whether they really mean it. Hamas needs to take the deal," he says.

    He says for months people have called for a ceasefire, and says now it is time to raise their voices and demand Hamas comes to the table and agrees the deal.

  4. Biden: A future of dignity and freedom is available - once the deal is struck

    "All this progress would make Israel more secure," Biden continues, no longer "living in the shadow of a terrorist attack".

    Additionally, "all this would create the conditions for a different future, and a better future, for the Palestinian people," a future of "dignity" and "freedom".

    "This path is available, once the deal is struck," Biden says.

  5. US will help build schools and hospitals in Gaza - Biden

    Biden says the region needs a diplomatic solution, including a calmer situation along the northern border with Lebanon.

    Palestinian and Israeli leaders will need to come together to rebuild Gaza in a way that does not allow Hamas to rearm, he says.

    The US will help to build schools and hospitals, Biden says.

    Biden says the plan would open the possibility of normalising relations with Saudi Arabia and countering the threat of Iran in the region.

    He bills the proposal as a chance for Israel to become a strong regional player.

  6. Stand behind this deal, Biden urges Israeli leadership

    Biden says he knows there will be some in Israel who will not agree to the proposal.

    He says: "I urge the leadership in Israel to stand behind this deal, despite whatever pressure comes".

    Addressing the people of Israel, he says he has had a life-long commitment to the country.

    "I ask you to take a step back and think what will happen if this moment is lost."

    He says "we can't lose this moment" and he argues against "indefinite war".

  7. Remains of hostages would be returned in phase three - Biden

    Biden says phase three of the Israeli plan would also include a return of remains of hostages taken from Israel into Gaza on 7 October.

    "Any final remains of hostages who have been killed would be returned to their families," he says.

  8. Biden outlines second phase of ceasefire proposal

    Biden continues to outline the three-phase proposal for a ceasefire deal in Gaza.

    As part of phase two, he says all remaining living hostages would be returned and a temporary ceasefire would come into full force.

    The ceasefire would become "the cessation of hostilities permanently".

    He acknowledges difficult negotiation would still be needed between the first and second phases of the plan.

  9. 600 trucks of aid for Gaza every day, under Israel's ceasefire proposal - Biden

    Biden says this ceasefire plan would allow humanitarian aid to "surge," with "600 trucks carrying aid into Gaza every single day."

    "With a ceasefire, that aid could be safely and effectively distributed to all who need it," he adds.

    "All that and more would begin immediately."

  10. Biden outlines first phase of Israel's ceasefire proposal

    Biden says Israel's proposal has three phases. The first phase would last for six weeks, he says.

    It would include:

    • a "full and complete ceasefire"
    • the withdrawal of Israeli forces "from all populated areas of Gaza"
    • the release of a number of hostages, including women, the elderly, the wounded
    • this would be in exchange for the release of hundreds of Palestinian prisoners

    Biden says Palestinian civilians could return to their homes in all areas of Gaza, and humanitarian assistance would surge.

  11. US relentlessly focused on end to Israel-Gaza war - Biden

    Now Biden moves on to the Middle East, saying the US has been relentlessly focused on a durable end to the war and getting the hostages home.

    He says the US wants to create a "better day after" in Gaza without Hamas, as well as security for Israel.

    Biden says Israel has offered a new proposal, a roadmap to a ceasefire and the release of hostages.

    It has been submitted to Hamas via Qatar, he says. Now Biden is setting out its terms.

  12. Reckless to say justice system rigged, Biden says after Trump conviction

    President Joe Biden begins with remarks on Donald Trump's guilty conviction in New York, praising the US criminal justice system as the "cornerstone of America".

    "It's reckless, it's dangerous and it's irresponsible for anyone to say this was rigged just because they don't like the verdict," he says.

  13. Biden begins speaking

    Joe Biden

    Copyright: BBC

    Joe Biden has just started his news conference - he is expected to make a statement on the Middle East.

    Stick with us for updates.

  14. What is happening in Gaza now?

    Smoke rising over Gaza

    Copyright: EPA

    Image caption: Air strikes against targets in Rafah have been carried out in recent days

    Biden's statement comes as Israel presses ahead with its military operation in Rafah, a city in the south of Gaza.

    Israel Defense Forces (IDF) troops have taken control of the Philadelphi Corridor, a strategically important thin strip of land which separates Gaza from Egypt.

    It comes after dozens were killed in an Israeli air strike near Rafah on Sunday, which triggered a fire that engulfed tents where displaced people were sheltering.

    The US and other allies of Israel had urged its government not to press ahead with the operation because of the high risk of civilian deaths.

    Meanwhile, IDF troops have pulled out of Jabalia in northern Gaza, after a three-week offensive there which saw tens of thousands of civilians flee the area.

  15. Welcome

    Tiffany Wertheimer

    US Reporter

    Thank you for joining our live coverage of Joe Biden's statement from the White House.

    The US president is set to give remarks on the Middle East.

    Stick with us as we bring you all the latest updates.

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