The mediators involved in the Gaza conflict have called upon Israel and Hamas to reach a conclusive agreement on a ceasefire and the release of hostages. This agreement, as outlined by U.S. President Joe Biden, is believed to provide immediate relief to the people in Gaza, as well as the hostages and their families. However, Israel has stated that the war will not formally end as long as Hamas remains in power. This raises concerns regarding the timing and interpretation of the truce offer, which the Palestinian faction has tentatively accepted.
Biden announced on Friday that Israel had suggested a plan for a six-week ceasefire, along with a partial withdrawal of Israeli military forces and the release of some hostages. At the same time, negotiations for a permanent end to hostilities are conducted through mediators. The U.S., Egypt, and Qatar have been working for months to facilitate an end to the conflict, but so far, a resolution has been difficult to reach. According to Biden, the proposal also aims to establish a more stable situation in Gaza after the ceasefire, with Hamas not in control. However, he did not provide details on accomplishing this objective. The Iranian-backed Islamist group has not shown any willingness to step down or disarm voluntarily.
The office of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated on Saturday that Israel would not consider a permanent ceasefire until Hamas' military and governing capabilities were destroyed. Additionally, two members of his coalition threatened to withdraw from the government if he proceeded with a deal that did not destroy Hamas. On the other hand, Hamas expressed its willingness to engage positively and constructively but stated that it had not yet received the proposal’s details.
Hamas insisted that no agreement could be reached until the occupation army withdrew and a ceasefire was achieved, as they remained committed to the destruction of Israel. Israel, on the other hand, has only been willing to temporarily suspend the war in exchange for the release of hostages, intending to resume the campaign to eliminate the Hamas threat. Hamas desires concrete actions from Israel to bring an end to the war, such as a complete withdrawal of troops.
A senior official from the Biden administration stated that the agreement would be defined by both Israel and Hamas. The official emphasized that the future influence of Egypt and Qatar on the movement would play a crucial role in interpreting the potential differences between U.S. and Israeli perspectives on Hamas. The official also highlighted that the arrangements and post-agreement planning would prevent Hamas from regenerating its military capabilities in a manner that could pose a threat to Israel, as mentioned by the president in his speech.
MONTHS OF WAR
The conflict commenced on October 7th when Palestinian fighters, led by Hamas, launched an attack on southern Israel from Gaza. According to Israeli reports, this assault resulted in the deaths of over 1,200 individuals, primarily civilians, and the capture of more than 250 hostages. Palestinian health authorities claim that Israel's ground and air campaign in Gaza has devastated the region, leading to widespread starvation and the loss of over 36,000 lives, with civilians comprising the majority of the casualties. Since the invasion of Gaza, more than 290 Israeli soldiers have also lost their lives. The initial strong support from the Israeli public for the war is now showing signs of fatigue, as concerns for the fate of the hostages grow. Benny Gantz, a centrist ex-general who formed an emergency coalition with Netanyahu, has threatened to withdraw his support if the prime minister fails to develop a post-war plan for Gaza. However, Gantz's recent
appreciation for Biden and his call for a war cabinet meeting to determine the next steps may indicate a potential delay in his departure from the coalition. On Wednesday, Tzachi Hanegbi, Netanyahu's National Security Adviser, stated that he expects the conflict to continue until at least the end of 2024. In the United States, Israel's primary ally, the suffering endured by civilians in Gaza has placed pressure on President Biden, who is seeking re-election in November. In a speech delivered on Friday, Biden urged Israel's leadership to resist the demands of those within the country who wish to prolong the war indefinitely.
Netanyahu may soon have the opportunity to counter these pressures in Washington, as he has accepted an invitation to address both houses of Congress, making him the first foreign leader to do so on four occasions. Netanyahu expressed his gratitude for the invitation and stated his intention to use the platform to convey "the truth about our just war against those who seek our destruction" to the representatives of the American people and the global community. Opposition leader Yair Lapid has urged Netanyahu to reach a ceasefire agreement and secure the release of the hostages, assuring him of his party's support even if certain conditions are met.
0 Comments