WASHINGTON (NEWSnet/AP) — President Joe Biden on Friday detailed a three-phase deal proposed by Israel to Hamas militants that he says could end the Mideast war.

Biden said the first phase would extend for six weeks and include a “full and complete cease-fire,” a withdrawal of Israeli forces from populated areas of Gaza and the release of a number of hostages,  including women, elderly and wounded, in exchange for the release of hundreds of Palestinian prisoners.

U.S. hostages who would be released, and remains of hostages who have been killed, would be returned to their families. Humanitarian assistance would be increased, with 600 trucks being allowed into Gaza each day.

Phase two includes release of remaining living hostages, including male soldiers, and Israeli forces would withdraw from Gaza.

The third phase involves  major reconstruction of Gaza.

Biden said Hamas wants a cease-fire and that an Israeli-phased deal is an opportunity to prove “whether they really mean it.”

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