What does Israel's three-phase plan for a Gaza ceasefire include?

A ceasefire and the release of Hamas hostages are two of the three phases of an Israeli proposal to resolve the conflict in Gaza that US President Joe Biden revealed on Friday.
The 81-year-old described the "comprehensive" proposal as a "roadmap to an enduring ceasefire," and these are its main components.

Stage One
According to Biden, the first stage entails a six-week "full and complete ceasefire" during which Israeli soldiers will evacuate "all populated areas of Gaza."

Women, the elderly, and those with injuries were among the "a number" of captives taken during the October 7 strikes on Israel that Hamas will free. There would also be a return of some hostages' slain remains.

Biden stated that "we want them" to be released from the custody of Hamas, which is holding US prisoners. 

Hundreds of Palestinian prisoners would be released in exchange.

Palestinian civilians would be allowed to return to their "homes and neighborhoods" throughout Gaza, including in the north, which has been devastated by months of Israeli bombing.

Phase Three

A major reconstruction and stabilization plan for Gaza would begin, backed by the US and the international community.

Homes, schools and hospitals would be rebuilt, Biden said. He would also work with regional partners to ensure it happens in a way that "does not allow Hamas to re-arm."

The reconstruction phase would take between three and five years, a senior US official said.

The final remains of any hostages who had been killed would be returned in the third phase.

What if it goes wrong?

Biden said that if Hamas "fails to fulfill its commitments under the deal, Israel can resume military operations."

But he added that Egypt and Qatar would work to make Hamas stick to the terms, while the United States would do the same for Israel.