U.S. expects Israel to accept Gaza plan

The U.S. government has “every expectation” that Israel will accept a three-phase Gaza ceasefire proposal if Hamas takes the deal

Smoke billows after an Israeli strike on Jabalia in northern Gaza

Phase 1: Full ceasefire

Six-week temporary pause in fighting

Withdrawal of Israeli forces from populated areas of Gaza

Release of some hostages and some remains of hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners held in Israel

Return of Palestinian civilians to their homes in Gaza

Surge in humanitarian aid to Gaza

May 31: Office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu (pictured) says it has authorised text of plan promoted by U.S. President Joe Biden

Phase 2: All hostages released

Permanent end to hostilities

Israeli military to fully withdraw from Gaza in exchange for release of remaining living hostages, including male Israeli soldiers

Phase 3: Reconstruction

Major plan to rebuild Gaza’s cities, including homes, schools and hospitals destroyed by war
 
Final remains of hostages are returned to their families

Jun 3: Israeli media quotes Netanyahu as saying that first phase of plan could be undertaken without necessary agreement on what follows

 
Sources: BBC, Reuters, Yahoo News
Pictures: Getty Images

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