Biden's address on the ceasefire: Time for the war between Hamas and Israel to end

(Patria) - US President Joe Biden said that Israel has offered Hamas a comprehensive new ceasefire agreement.

The deal would include the return of Israeli hostages from Gaza and the reconstruction of civilian areas. Biden called on leaders of both sides to "not let this moment slip."

- Anyone who wants peace now must raise their voice and work to make it real. It is time for this war to end - Biden said during an emergency address at the White House.

He added that the first phase of the proposed deal would be a six-week ceasefire, during which Israel and Hamas would negotiate a permanent end to the fighting in Gaza.

- If negotiations last longer than six weeks, the ceasefire will continue for as long as needed to reach an agreement - he stated.

The second phase would involve Hamas handing over all remaining hostages, and Israel withdrawing all its forces from Gaza.

- The final phase would relate to a "major reconstruction plan" - Biden emphasized.

He stressed that this is a "decisive moment."

- Israel has put forward its proposal, and Hamas says it wants a ceasefire - this deal is an opportunity to prove whether they truly mean it. Hamas must accept the deal.

The past eight months have brought heartbreaking pain on both sides - Biden stated.

He added that too many people have been killed and wounded, including children in Gaza, where people have endured "sheer hell."

He also mentioned the deadly attack carried out by Israel in Rafah.

- It is time for this war to end, and for a new day to begin - he said and left the room without answering journalists' questions.