WASHINGTON — President Joe Biden announced Friday that Israel has proposed a three-part plan that would ultimately lead to a permanent cease-fire in the Gaza Strip, as well as the release of all hostages who have been held there for the last eight months.

Speaking from the White House, Biden said that the proposal comes after intensive diplomacy carried out by his team. The plan has been relayed to Hamas via Qatar, one of the main mediators in negotiations.

Biden’s announcement is notable as he and his administration have battled opposition from the far-left wing of the Democratic Party, especially as the general election is in full swing. Demonstrations have occurred across the country, including students setting up encampments on college campuses last month. Some members of the Biden administration have also resigned in protest over U.S. policy toward Israel.

Israel and its most important ally, the United States, have come under intense criticism for the war in Gaza, which has killed approximately 36,000 Palestinians, according to officials there.

The plan's first phase would start with six weeks of a full and complete cease-fire, including the withdrawal of Israeli forces from populated areas of Gaza, and the release of women and children held hostage, Biden said during the surprise announcement. This initial stage would also include a surge of humanitarian assistance, with 600 trucks carrying aid into Gaza every day.

Biden said that in that first phase, Israel and Hamas would negotiate a permanent cease-fire, acknowledging potential significant hurdles. "I’ll be honest with you, there are a number of things to be negotiated to move from phase one to phase two," he said.

The president explained that phase two wouldn't begin until all agreements are reached. This stage would involve the release of all living hostages in exchange for Palestinians imprisoned in Israel. The final phase would focus on a major reconstruction plan in Gaza and the return of the remains of deceased hostages to their families.

“I’ve urged the leadership in Israel to stand behind this deal, regardless of whatever [political] pressure comes," Biden said.

Hamas did not immediately respond to the proposal. However, it stated on Thursday that if Israel stops its war in Gaza, it would be prepared "to reach a complete agreement that includes a comprehensive exchange deal."

Biden's announcement follows Israeli forces advancing further into the southern Gaza city of Rafah on Tuesday, days after an airstrike sparked a significant fire that killed dozens of Palestinians.

The war in Gaza, triggered by Hamas' surprise assault on Israel on Oct. 7, which left about 1,200 dead and resulted in the kidnapping of 240, has resulted in approximately 36,000 Palestinian deaths, according to officials in Gaza. Israel and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu have faced intense international criticism during the conflict.

Recently, the International Court of Justice ordered Israel to immediately halt its military offensive in Rafah, where over a million Palestinians fled after being displaced. The International Criminal Court’s chief prosecutor applied for arrest warrants for Netanyahu, Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar, and others over alleged war crimes.

In the last week, Spain, Norway, and Ireland formally recognized a Palestinian state, a step Israel strongly opposes. The international community remains divided over the conflict, with various countries taking different stances.

Biden's announcement marks a significant development in the ongoing conflict, highlighting the United States' active role in seeking a resolution. The proposed plan, if successful, could pave the way for lasting peace and stability in the region, addressing both humanitarian needs and political complexities. As the situation unfolds, the global community will be watching closely, hoping for a breakthrough that could end the suffering and bring about a much-needed resolution.