US President Joe Biden has expressed cautious optimism about a potential ceasefire agreement in Gaza, stating it’s ‘closer than ever’ but acknowledging that ‘we’re not there yet’. A new US proposal, presented during two days of negotiations in Doha, aims to bridge the gaps between Israel and Hamas. The talks, described as ‘serious and constructive’ by the US, Qatar, and Egypt in a joint statement, are set to continue in Cairo next week.However, significant challenges remain. Hamas has rejected what it calls ‘new conditions’ from Israel, including the permanent presence of Israeli troops in Gaza along the border with Egypt and the right to veto the release of certain Palestinian prisoners. Hamas insists on a complete ceasefire, total withdrawal of Israeli troops, return of displaced people, and an agreement for the exchange of Israeli hostages for Palestinian prisoners.In a bid to push the peace process forward, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken is scheduled to visit Israel over the weekend. President Biden has warned against actions that could undermine the ceasefire efforts, stating, ‘no one in the region should take actions to undermine this process’.The humanitarian situation in Gaza remains critical. The conflict has resulted in over 40,000 Palestinian deaths, according to the Hamas-run health ministry. Adding to the crisis, the United Nations has called for a week-long pause in fighting to allow for a polio vaccination campaign, as the disease has been detected spreading among the displaced population.As negotiations continue, the international community remains hopeful for a breakthrough. However, the complex nature of the conflict and the divergent positions of the parties involved suggest that reaching a final agreement may still require significant effort and compromise.
Key points
- US President Biden says a Gaza ceasefire agreement is ‘closer than ever’ but acknowledges challenges remain.
- Hamas rejects ‘new conditions’ from Israel, including permanent troop presence in Gaza.
- US Secretary of State Blinken to visit Israel to push for ceasefire proposal.
- Humanitarian crisis in Gaza worsens with over 40,000 Palestinian deaths and spread of poliovirus.
Contradictions👾While Biden expresses optimism about the ceasefire being ‘closer than ever’, Hamas officials claim that Israel is obstructing the agreement and not abiding by previous commitments.
