WASHINGTON__US President Joe Biden and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu spoke by phone in Biden’s final week in office, as momentum grows towards a Gaza ceasefire and hostage release agreement.
While Israel and Hamas are reportedly making progress, significant uncertainties remain over crucial elements of the potential deal.
The White House reported that President Biden discussed the “fundamentally changed regional circumstances” during his call with Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu, highlighting Israel’s ceasefire with Hezbollah in Lebanon, the collapse of Syria’s Assad regime, and the weakening of Iran’s regional influence.
Netanyahu’s office stated that he briefed Biden on the instructions he had given to senior negotiators in Doha to help advance the release of hostages.
In the call, Biden stressed the urgent need for a ceasefire in Gaza, the return of hostages, and a surge in humanitarian aid, which could be facilitated by a halt in fighting as part of the agreement.
The conversation came a day after Netanyahu dispatched a senior Israeli security delegation, including leaders from the Mossad and Shin Bet, to indirect talks in Qatar, mediated by officials from Qatar, the US, and Egypt.
Israeli media reported that Netanyahu was meeting with members of his cabinet who opposed a ceasefire to convince them not to resign.
Diplomatic Efforts Intensify as Gaza Ceasefire Deal Remains Uncertain
Key Players Meet to Push for Deal
UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy visited Jerusalem to discuss the progress of negotiations with his Israeli counterpart, as efforts continue to secure a ceasefire and hostage release deal. On Saturday, former US President Donald Trump’s Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff, also met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, with hopes of reaching an agreement before Trump’s inauguration on January 20.
Trump has previously warned that if the hostages are not released before he returns to the White House, “all hell would break loose.”
US Officials Express Optimism Despite Uncertainty
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken expressed confidence that an agreement was “very close” and hoped to finalize it before Trump assumes office. Blinken also indicated that any deal would likely follow the proposals laid out by President Biden in May.
However, despite the increased diplomatic activity, key issues remain unclear, including whether an initial truce would lead to a permanent ceasefire and whether Israel would fully withdraw from Gaza.
Skepticism Remains Among Experts
Anshel Pfeffer, the Israel correspondent for The Economist, expressed caution, saying he remained skeptical about the likelihood of a swift deal. “We’ve been here so many times before,” Pfeffer told BBC’s Today Programme. “There is more room for optimism, but until we see an official announcement or a ceasefire with hostages being released, I remain skeptical.”
Pressure from Both Sides to Strike a Deal
Pfeffer also noted that both Israel and Hamas are motivated to reach an agreement before Trump takes office. “Hamas fears that Trump might give Israel the green light to unleash even more devastation on Gaza,” he explained. “Both sides are deeply invested and have suffered immensely.”
The Human Cost of the Conflict
The war, which erupted after Hamas attacked southern Israel on October 7, 2023, has caused devastating loss of life. The attack killed around 1,200 Israelis and resulted in the abduction of 251 people, taken back to Gaza as hostages. In retaliation, Israel launched a military offensive aimed at dismantling Hamas.
Gaza’s Hamas-run health ministry reports that over 46,500 Palestinians have been killed during the conflict. Israel, meanwhile, states that 94 hostages remain in Gaza, 34 of whom are presumed dead. Additionally, four other Israelis who were abducted before the war are also being held, two of whom have died.
بايدن ونتنياهو يعقدان محادثات حول وقف إطلاق النار في غزة مع تزايد الزخم
