US President Joe Biden has proposed a three-part plan to end the Gaza conflict, urging Hamas to accept the deal. The plan begins with a six-week ceasefire, during which the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) would withdraw from populated areas of Gaza, and a surge of humanitarian aid would be delivered.

There would also be an exchange of hostages for Palestinian prisoners. The second phase involves the return of all remaining living hostages and a permanent cessation of hostilities. The final phase includes the return of deceased Israeli hostages and a major reconstruction plan for Gaza with international assistance.

Biden emphasized the importance of the ceasefire, which would allow 600 trucks carrying aid into Gaza daily. He acknowledged the difficulty of negotiations between phases one and two.

Despite Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's opposition to ending the war as part of a ceasefire, Biden's plan aims to meet Hamas' key demand for a permanent ceasefire. UK Foreign Secretary David Cameron and UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres have also urged Hamas to accept the proposal.

Hamas has expressed a positive view of the proposal, contingent on Israel's explicit commitment to a permanent ceasefire. The proposal, transmitted to Hamas through Qatari mediators, does not guarantee a complete withdrawal of IDF troops from Gaza.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has been engaging with leaders in Jordan, Saudi Arabia, and Turkey to garner wider support for the plan.

The war, which began in October following an unprecedented Hamas attack on Israel, has resulted in over 36,000 deaths in Gaza, according to the Hamas-run health ministry. The conflict has also led to mounting civilian casualties and growing domestic criticism of US support for Israel.