The U.S. State Department announced that Secretary Antony Blinken held separate phone calls yesterday, Friday, with the foreign ministers of Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Jordan to discuss a proposal for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and the release of detainees in Gaza.
State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller said that Blinken, who made the calls while returning to Washington from Prague, assured his counterparts that the proposal is in the interest of both Israelis and Palestinians, according to Reuters.
Biden announced yesterday evening, Friday, a "Israeli proposal" consisting of 3 phases that forms a roadmap to end the war in Gaza, urging all parties not to miss the opportunity to reach a deal that would conclude the conflict ongoing for more than 8 months.
Biden stated in a televised address from the White House that Israel proposed a sustainable ceasefire in Gaza and the release of Israeli detainees in the sector in three phases.
He added that the first proposed phase of 6 weeks involves a ceasefire, Israel's withdrawal, and the release of detainees and the remains of those who have died.
Biden continued that the second phase would see the release of the remaining detainees, including soldiers, and the maintenance of the ceasefire, while the third phase relates to post-war matters and reconstruction.