Speakers
Aaron David Miller
Senior Fellow, Carnegie Endowment for International Peace
Mairav Zonszein
Senior Analyst on Israel-Palestine, International Crisis Group
Moderator
About the Webinar
On May 31, President Joe Biden announced a “comprehensive new proposal” that was offered by Israel for ending the war in Gaza, which Biden described as “a roadmap to an enduring ceasefire and the release of all hostages.” The proposal, which Qatar has transmitted to Hamas, consists of three phases, the first of which is said to last for six weeks and include a ceasefire, Israeli withdrawal from populated areas in Gaza, the release of hostages and Palestinian prisoners, a surge in humanitarian aid, and building shelters for Palestinians in the Gaza Strip. In his speech, Biden signaled for the first time his support for an end to the war, suggesting a possible shift in US policy. While the proposal itself is not different from the deal that Hamas had accepted a month prior, Israeli officials publicly distanced themselves from it and insisted that they would not accept an end to the war unless Hamas’ military and governing capabilities are destroyed.
Arab Center Washington DC is convening a panel of experts to discuss the details and motivations behind the proposal, as well as the impediments and prospects for its acceptance and success. What prompted this change in tone from President Biden, and how significant is it? What is the importance of the timing for this move, and is it primarily driven by considerations for the 2024 elections? What have been the responses from Israel and Hamas, and what is the likelihood that this plan will move forward? What measures are there to ensure the enforcement and implementation of all agreed-upon items? And what proposals are being discussed for Gaza after the war and the Palestinian-Israeli conflict in general.
Featured image: Flickr/The White House
