The United States has expressed confidence that Israel will agree to a proposed ceasefire in Gaza if Hamas accepts the terms. This expectation comes from a senior White House official amidst continued hostilities in the region. The three-part ceasefire plan, unveiled by President Joe Biden last week, includes a six-week cessation of hostilities, a significant increase in humanitarian aid, and an exchange of hostages for Palestinian prisoners, aiming for a permanent resolution to the conflict. However, some Israeli government members have strongly opposed the proposal.
As intense fighting continues in Rafah, where Israeli airstrikes over the weekend forced residents to flee, the need for a ceasefire becomes more urgent. The United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) reports that all 36 of its shelters in Rafah are empty, and an estimated 1.7 million people are displaced in Khan Younis and central Gaza. White House National Security Council spokesman John Kirby, speaking to ABC News, stated that the US expects Israel to agree to the ceasefire if Hamas accepts it. Kirby emphasized the US’s desire for both sides to initiate the first phase of the plan “as soon as possible.” During the initial six-week ceasefire, both sides would negotiate the next phase and its timeline.
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has been actively lobbying for the deal, making calls to Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant and war cabinet member Benny Gantz. Blinken commended Israel for the proposal and urged Hamas to accept it promptly, highlighting that the deal would advance Israel’s long-term security interests.
Despite US efforts, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu faces internal political pressure. Two far-right ministers, Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, have threatened to resign and collapse the government coalition if Netanyahu agrees to the ceasefire. They demand the destruction of Hamas before any deal is struck.
Netanyahu has maintained that there will be no ceasefire until Hamas’s military and governing capabilities are eliminated and all hostages are released. Hanoch Milwidsky, a senior member of Netanyahu’s Likud Party, reiterated this stance, calling the ceasefire proposal “completely unacceptable” and insisting that the war will continue until these objectives are achieved.
John Kirby noted that US intelligence believes Hamas has been militarily weakened to the point that it cannot repeat the scale of the October 7 attack on Israel. However, he acknowledged that Hamas still poses a threat to Israeli security.
Meanwhile, the Maldives has announced a ban on Israeli citizens entering the country, a move that has prompted Israel’s foreign ministry to advise its citizens to avoid the Indian Ocean archipelago. Last year, about 11,000 Israelis visited the Maldives, accounting for less than 1% of all tourist arrivals.
The conflict has claimed more than 36,000 lives across Gaza since it began in October when Hamas launched an unprecedented attack on Israel, killing about 1,200 people and taking 252 hostages. President Biden has faced growing criticism at home for the level of US support for Israel and calls to push more vigorously for a negotiated ceasefire.
In summary, the US is pushing for a ceasefire in Gaza, with expectations that Israel will agree if Hamas accepts. The proposed plan includes a six-week halt in fighting, increased humanitarian aid, and a hostage exchange, aiming for a permanent end to the conflict. Internal political dynamics in Israel and vocal opposition from some Israeli ministers complicate the situation. The ongoing conflict has resulted in significant casualties and displacement, underscoring the urgent need for a resolution.
