Biden calls on Israeli leaders not to give in to pressure and back latest peace proposal

June 1 (EUROPA PRESS) –

The president of the United States, Joe Biden, has spoken in recent days with Israeli leaders to ask for their support for the peace plan for the Middle East presented this past Friday by the president “regardless of the pressure” they may receive in this regard.

“We are aware that, in Israel, these issues are the subject of debate, but the president has made it clear that this course is much better than other alternatives,” explained a senior White House official, on condition of anonymity.

“What’s more, this is the only path that can achieve the release of the hostages” held by Palestinian militias since October 7, “and can guarantee the lasting and long-term security of Israel.”

This Friday, Biden detailed a ‘road map’ proposed by Israel with three phases for a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip. The first would last six weeks and would include a ceasefire with the withdrawal of Israeli forces from the most populated areas of Gaza and the release of some of the hostages, including women and elderly people, in exchange for the release of Palestinian prisoners.

The president explained that phase two includes the release of all remaining living hostages, including military personnel, and the Israeli Army will withdraw from the Gaza Strip, controlled by Hamas. Finally, the third part of this ‘roadmap’ contemplates “an important reconstruction plan for Gaza.”

This plan ultimately contemplates the return of Israeli communities to the north of the country – currently vacant due to the conflict with Hezbollah in Lebanon – as well as the beginning of the reconstruction of Gaza “together with the international community and the “Arab allies” of the US.

In addition, Biden considers that the plan could also facilitate “regional integration” of Israel through, for example, a long-awaited agreement to normalize relations with Saudi Arabia, and would be key to ending up creating “the conditions for a future of freedom and self-determination.” for the Palestinian people” in a scenario that “prevents Hamas from rearming itself.