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A top aide to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has confirmed Israel’s acceptance of a framework deal proposed by President Joe Biden to end the Gaza war. However, he acknowledged it as flawed and needing significant work.

In an interview with Britain’s Sunday Times, Ophir Falk, Netanyahu’s chief foreign policy advisor, revealed Israel’s agreement to the deal, stating, “It’s not a good deal but we dearly want the hostages released, all of them.” He emphasized that key Israeli conditions, such as the release of hostages and the dismantling of Hamas as a “genocidal terrorist organization,” remain unchanged.

Biden outlined a three-phase plan to conclude the war, beginning with a truce and the return of some hostages held by Hamas. The subsequent phases would involve negotiating an open-ended cessation of hostilities and the release of remaining hostages. However, this plan implies that Hamas would still participate in mediated arrangements, potentially clashing with Israel’s goal to eliminate the Iranian-backed group.

Despite multiple ceasefire proposals from Biden over recent months, all similar frameworks have collapsed, primarily due to Israel’s stance on only considering temporary pauses in fighting until Hamas is destroyed. Hamas, committed to Israel’s destruction, insists on a permanent end to the war before releasing hostages.

Biden’s latest proposal aims to create a “better ‘day after’ in Gaza without Hamas in power,” although details remain to be negotiated. Falk reiterated that Israel would not agree to a permanent ceasefire until all its objectives are met. Meanwhile, Hamas has provisionally welcomed the initiative. Still, it demands a comprehensive agreement that meets its conditions for an end to the Gaza war, the withdrawal of Israeli forces, free movement for Palestinians, and reconstruction aid.