Biden Expresses Optimism for Gaza Ceasefire Deal Amidst Ongoing Negotiations
President Joe Biden claimed to be hopeful that the Gaza ceasefire would be doable and said, “We are closer than we’ve ever been. ” On Wednesday, after the latest round of talks, Biden said he would dispatch his Secretary of State to Israel to scale up the “intensive efforts to finalize this deal. ”
However, a senior Hamas figure said to the BBC that little had changed and accused mediators of ‘marketing dreams. ’ Surprisingly, Israel thanked the United States and other mediators for their attempts to prevent Hamas from rejecting a hostage exchange deal.
Gaza operation continued throughout the year following an unprovoked strike on southern Israel by Hamas on October 7, killing about 1,200 people and hostage 251. This led to the Israeli military launching a campaign in Gaza that targeted the dismantling of Hamas, more so after the kidnapping of Israeli soldiers by Hamas.
Gaza’s Hamas-run health ministry reports that over the whole period of the conflict, more than 40,000 people perished. A ceasefire was earlier signed in mid-November under which 105 hostages were released from Hamas, and in return, Hamas organization was granted a week ceasefire, and about 240 Palestinian prisoners were released from the Israeli jails. Nevertheless, Israel is claiming that there are still 111 hostages held, while 39 are estimated to be already dead.
In the latest statement, the three countries disclosed that they offered a plan that is a step toward a ceasefire and the hostage release deal that “narrows down the differences” between Israel and Hamas. Israel has warned that to secure a truce on the hostages, more of them would have to be freed. Although some of the hostages have been gradually released, it is believed that some of the hostages have died in Gaza.
The families of the hostages who remain in the captivity of Gaza have said that the current negotiations are the ‘final opportunity’ to free their loved ones. It is said that the expectations for a win are higher after a year of war and thousands of deaths.
There is also the worry of escalation of a broad regional war if the negotiation between Israel and Hamas broke down completely. This is a situation that nobody wants to happen to them or see happen to their competitors.
All the mediators involved in the ceasefire negotiations have described the last two days of consultations as ‘serious, constructive, and held in a positive tone. ‘ Government higher authorities are planning to gather next in Cairo to work out a definite decision in accordance with the conditions laid down in Doha.
While the mediators’ statement is a positive sign, it is clear that significant work remains before a ceasefire can be fully agreed upon. The road ahead remains challenging, with much at stake for all involved parties.
