Do not undermine Gaza ceasefire deal, warns Biden

The first phase of the deal outlined by President Biden, based on Israel’s 27 May proposal, would include a “full and complete ceasefire” lasting six weeks, the withdrawal of Israeli forces from all populated areas of Gaza, and the exchange of some of the hostages – including women, the elderly and the sick or wounded – for Palestinian prisoners held in Israel.

The second phase would involve the release of all other living hostages and a “permanent end to hostilities”. The third would see the start of a major reconstruction plan for Gaza and the return of dead hostages’ remains.

Meanwhile, Israel’s military operation in Gaza continues, with new evacuation orders being made for several blocks in northern Khan Younis and Deir Balah – further shrinking the humanitarian zone.

Israel said the blocks had become dangerous for civilians “due to significant acts of terrorism” and the firing of rockets and mortars towards Israel.

The UN agency for Palestinian refugees (Unrwa) said: “Once again, fear spreads as families have nowhere to go. People remain trapped in an endless nightmare of death and destruction on a staggering scale.”

What is now making the need for a ceasefire deal even more urgent is the fact that the polio virus – which is spread through faecal matter – is now circulating inside the Israeli-designated humanitarian zone in Gaza, where hundreds of thousands of displaced Palestinians have sought refuge from the fighting.

“Let’s be clear: The ultimate vaccine for polio is peace and an immediate humanitarian ceasefire,” UN Secretary General António Guterres said.