President Joe Biden is actively working to broker a three-phase agreement between Israel and Hamas in an effort to bring home Israeli hostages, free Palestinian prisoners, and potentially end the ongoing Gaza war. The proposal, publicly disclosed by Biden, includes a cease-fire and phased Israeli troop withdrawal from Gaza in exchange for the release of all hostages held by Hamas.
Despite Biden's efforts, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu remains committed to continuing the conflict until Hamas is eradicated. Netanyahu's far-right coalition, which strongly opposes negotiating with Hamas, poses a significant challenge to the proposed agreement.
While the Biden administration remains cautiously optimistic about the deal, challenges lie ahead in convincing all parties to agree to the terms. The first phase of the proposal involves a six-week cease-fire, withdrawal of Israeli forces from densely populated areas of Gaza, and the release of select hostages and Palestinian prisoners.
International support for the agreement is crucial, with world leaders, including those from the Group of Seven, urging Hamas to accept the deal. Efforts are underway to garner support for the proposal at the United Nations and through diplomatic channels with key players like Qatar and Turkey.
As the conflict enters a critical phase, Biden faces mounting pressure to resolve the situation swiftly, with the U.S. election looming in just over five months. The outcome of these negotiations could have far-reaching implications for the region and beyond.
