- Biden “optimistic” about Gaza ceasefire; talks ongoing
- Hamas dismisses progress, citing “disappointing” mediator input
- Israel focused on hostages; Hamas seeks a regional escalation
Joe Biden stated that he was “optimistic” about reaching a ceasefire accord in Gaza.
We are closer than we’ve ever been,” the US president said after the latest round of talks, adding that he was sending his secretary of state to Israel to continue the “intensive efforts to conclude this agreement.
However, a senior Hamas official stated that there had been no development and that mediators were “selling illusions.
Israel advised that it “appreciates the efforts of the US and the mediators to dissuade Hamas from its refusal to a hostage release deal.
In response to an extraordinary strike on southern Israel on October 7, the Israeli military launched an operation in Gaza to crush Hamas, killing about 1,200 people and taking 251 hostages.
More than 40,000 people have died in Gaza since then, according to the Hamas-run health ministry.
A ceasefire arrangement reached in November saw Hamas release 105 hostages in exchange for a week-long truce and the release of approximately 240 Palestinian inmates in Israeli jails. Israel claims 111 hostages are still being held, 39 of whom are thought dead.
In a recent joint statement, the United States, Qatar, and Egypt said they have proposed a plan for a ceasefire and hostage release arrangement that “narrows the gaps” between Israel and Hamas.
Israel has stated that any ceasefire agreement would entail the release of the other hostages. Some have already been released, and others are said to have perished in Gaza.
Relatives of captives still in Gaza describe the present negotiations as their “last chance” to bring some of them out alive.
After ten months of combat and thousands of losses, there is intense pressure for a breakthrough.
A broader regional confrontation is a distinct possibility if talks between Israel and Hamas collapse altogether, which all parties involved are concerned about.
The mediators stated that the ceasefire talks had been “serious, constructive, and conducted in a positive atmosphere” over the last two days.
Technical teams are scheduled to continue working on the details of executing the suggested terms in the coming days before top government officials reconvene in Cairo to reach an agreement on the terms outlined in Qatar.
While the mediators’ declaration is undoubtedly a welcome development, a ceasefire is still far off.
This is not the first time Mr Biden has stated that he believes a deal is close, and not everyone shares his cautious confidence.
Hamas and the Israeli administration have yet to be as optimistic in their reactions.
Israel claims its viewpoint and essential principles have remained unaltered and are “well-known”. It accused Hamas of refusing to negotiate an agreement for the release of the hostages.
Above all, Israelis want the remaining hostages released, but many doubt this is Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s principal desire. He has reiterated that his government’s top objective is to achieve a “total victory” over Hamas.
Meanwhile, Hamas’ new head, Yaya Sinwar, has shown few signs of compromise.
When asked about President Biden’s comments, a senior Hamas official said, “What we have received from the mediators is very disappointing.” There’s been no progress.”
Hamas is said to have abandoned its desire for a permanent truce in favour of Mr Biden’s suggestion for a six-week break during which an end to the war might be negotiated.
Mr Biden’s ceasefire proposal also called for the evacuation of Israeli forces from all populated areas of Gaza, the staggered release of hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners, and the repatriation of slain hostages’ bodies.
The “bridging proposal” put up by US, Egyptian, and Qatari negotiators will be the focus of US Secretary of State Antony Blinken’s negotiations in the area. It should serve as the foundation for the next talks in Cairo, which are expected to include all parties, including Hamas.
That plan apparently “closes the remaining gaps” between the two parties’ viewpoints, perhaps allowing for “rapid implementation of the agreement.”
It may appear uncomplicated, but there are significant barriers to overcome, and there is still no confidence between senior Israeli and Hamas officials.
Others are dragging them to the table, possibly against their will, out of dread of what might happen if they fail.
Hamas and its allies believe the US administration is trying to buy more time.
If Iran attacks Israel, it will appear like Hamas has sabotaged the discussions.
Hamas is open about its desire for Iran and Hezbollah to strike Israel and escalate the conflict into a regional war.
They feel that a significant blow to Israel will weaken Mr Netanyahu and force him to accept a deal.
For his part, Mr. Biden emphasized that “no one in the region should take actions to undermine this process.”
Meanwhile, Israel’s military offensive in Gaza continues, with an air attack early Saturday morning killing 15 Palestinians in the al-Zawaida neighbourhood of central Gaza, according to the Palestinian Civil Defense Authority, a rescue organization.
According to spokesman Mahmud Bassal, nine children and three women died.
Israel hasn’t responded directly. The Israel Defense Forces announced on Saturday morning that it had “eliminated a number of terrorists” in central Gaza, including one who had fired at Israeli forces operating in the area.
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The Israeli military has issued new evacuation orders for many blocks in northern Khan Younis and Deir Balah, substantially reducing the humanitarian zone where thousands of displaced Palestinians have taken safety from fighting.
Israel stated that the blocks had become dangerous for residents “due to significant acts of terrorism” and the firing of rockets and mortars into Israel.
The UN Organization for Palestinian Refugees (UNRWA) stated: “Once again, fear spreads as families have nowhere to go.”
The spread of the polio virus, which faeces can transmit, is now occurring within the Israeli-designated humanitarian zone in Gaza, emphasizing the necessity for a ceasefire agreement.
“Let’s be clear: The ultimate vaccine for polio is peace and an immediate humanitarian ceasefire,” stated UN Secretary-General António Guterres.
