Gaza conflict mediators urged Israel and Hamas on Saturday to finalize a ceasefire and hostage release deal outlined by US President Joe Biden.
Mediators argued that the deal would provide immediate relief to Gaza residents and hostages’ families.
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Israel maintains that the war will not officially end as long as Hamas remains in power, casting doubt on the proposed truce, which has received preliminary approval from Hamas.
On Friday, Biden detailed Israel’s proposal, which includes a six-week ceasefire, a partial military withdrawal, and the release of some hostages. During this period, mediators would negotiate a permanent end to hostilities.
The US, Egypt, and Qatar have been working for months to broker a ceasefire, but success has been elusive.
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Biden’s proposal also envisions a “day after” in Gaza without Hamas in control, though he did not specify how this would be achieved. Hamas has shown no signs of stepping down or disarming voluntarily.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office declared on Saturday that any notion of a permanent ceasefire before Hamas’ military and governing capabilities are dismantled is “a non-starter.”
Two coalition members also threatened to withdraw support if Netanyahu agreed to a ceasefire without destroying Hamas.
Hamas stated on Friday that it is ready to engage constructively but had not received the proposal’s details.
Senior official Mahmoud Mardawi insisted that any agreement must include the withdrawal of Israeli forces and a ceasefire.
Israel is willing to pause the war in exchange for hostages but plans to resume operations to neutralize Hamas.
Hamas seeks a deal that involves concrete steps from Israel, such as a full troop withdrawal.
A senior Biden administration official noted that differences between US and Israeli perspectives on Hamas’ future might depend on Egypt’s and Qatar’s influence over Hamas.
The conflict, which began on October 7 when Hamas-led fighters attacked southern Israel, has resulted in significant casualties and destruction.
Over 1,200 people were killed in Israel, and more than 250 were taken hostage. Israel’s subsequent military campaign in Gaza has led to widespread devastation, starvation, and the deaths of over 36,000 people, according to Palestinian health authorities. More than 290 Israeli soldiers have also been killed.
As public support in Israel shows signs of fatigue due to concern for the hostages, Benny Gantz, a centrist ex-general in Netanyahu’s emergency coalition, has threatened to withdraw if a post-war Gaza plan is not formed. However, Gantz acknowledged Biden’s efforts and called for the war cabinet to decide on the next steps.
Netanyahu’s National Security Adviser, Tzachi Hanegbi projected that the war might continue throughout 2024.
In the US, growing concern over civilian suffering in Gaza has increased pressure on Biden, who is seeking re-election.
In his Friday speech, Biden urged Israeli leaders to resist calls for an indefinite continuation of the war. Netanyahu, invited to address both houses of Congress, plans to present Israel’s perspective on the conflict.
Opposition leader Yair Lapid called on Netanyahu to agree to the ceasefire and hostage deal, pledging his party’s support even if some coalition factions oppose it. Lapid emphasized the importance of President Biden’s speech and the need for Israel to seize the opportunity for a deal.
