Israel faces pressure to accept ceasefire deal

WASHINGTON (NEXSTAR) – Lawmakers and officials are pressuring Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to accept President Biden’s ceasefire proposal. This comes as Netanyahu was recently invited to address Congress.

The U.S. is optimistic about the plan with officials saying this deal could offer a roadmap toward a permanent ceasefire.

President Biden announced a three-part plan that could lead to a ceasefire and the release of all hostages.

White House National Security Communications Advisor John Kirby says the goal is to get through phase one.

“Initial hostages, you get some calm, you get some more humanitarian assistance, maybe up to 600 trucks, and then the two sides can start talking about phase two,” said Kirby.

Netanyahu called a permanent ceasefire a non-starter but thousands of demonstrators in Tel Aviv are demanding the prime minister to embrace the deal.

The United Nations relief and work agency announced that more than one million Palestinians have fled Rafah since Israel issued evacuation orders.

House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries told NBC’s Meet the Press that this is the best shot.

“To bring the hostages home to end the conflict in Gaza to allow for adjusting lasting peace,” said Jeffries.

House Speaker Mike Johnson said he was excited for Netanyahu to address Congress and will take steps to sanction the International Criminal Court after it put out arrest warrants on Israeli officials.

“The abuse is of the international criminal court. The ICC cannot be allowed to go forward,” said Johnson.

Hamas officials welcomed the proposal but have not provided an official response.

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