President Joe Biden has urged Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu not to launch an offensive in the southern Gaza city of Rafah as Israel appeared to be moving closer to a potential offensive to root out Hamas militants. However, Hamas announced that it has accepted an Egyptian-Qatari proposal for a cease-fire to halt the seven-month-long war with Israel in Gaza. While details of the proposal have not been released, discussions were ongoing in Qatar regarding the terms of the cease-fire.
Top Biden administration officials have been pushing Hamas to accept what they consider a generous offer by Israel, which could lead to an extended truce, the release of Palestinian prisoners held in Israeli prisons, and potentially pave the way for a permanent resolution to the conflict. President Biden emphasized his concerns about the situation in Rafah, where over a million civilians from other parts of Gaza are seeking shelter amidst the ongoing conflict. Biden reiterated the importance of reaching a cease-fire with Hamas to protect the lives of Israeli hostages being held in Gaza.
Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu rejected international pressure to halt the war in Gaza in a speech marking the country’s annual Holocaust memorial day, stating that Israel would stand alone in its defense. The Israeli army ordered approximately 100,000 Palestinians to evacuate from Rafah, signaling a possible ground invasion in the area, further complicating efforts to negotiate a cease-fire. Tensions escalated when Hamas fired rockets at Israeli troops near the border with Gaza, resulting in casualties on both sides.
Netanyahu assured Biden that the Kerem Shalom crossing between Gaza and Israel would remain open for humanitarian aid deliveries. Israeli officials had briefed the Biden administration on a plan to evacuate Palestinian civilians before a potential operation in Rafah, but the U.S. administration expressed concerns about the risks to innocent civilians. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin stressed the need for a credible plan from Israel to evacuate civilians and maintain humanitarian aid during any operation in Rafah.
The latest developments come as Biden hosted King Abdullah II of Jordan at the White House to discuss the war in Gaza and ongoing hostage negotiations. The situation remains fluid, with efforts ongoing to finalize a cease-fire agreement between Hamas and Israel. Despite the challenges and escalating tensions, there are hopes for a resolution to the conflict that will prioritize the safety and well-being of civilians caught in the crossfire. As the situation continues to evolve, the international community remains engaged in efforts to bring an end to the violence and establish lasting peace in the region.
