Washington, Aug 23: President Joe Biden engaged in discussions with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Wednesday, as the U.S. intensifies efforts to broker a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas. This push includes a proposed “bridging proposal” aimed at halting the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
Despite these efforts, significant obstacles remain. Both sides continue to have major disagreements, particularly concerning the presence of Israeli troops in strategic areas of Gaza. This has cast doubt on the immediate feasibility of reaching an agreement. Vice President Kamala Harris, who is currently attending the Democratic National Convention in Chicago, also participated in the call.
The White House highlighted that President Biden emphasized the urgency of finalizing a ceasefire and securing the release of hostages. The conversation between Biden and Netanyahu also covered high-level negotiations taking place in Cairo this week, involving U.S., Israeli, Egyptian, and Qatari mediators, to address the remaining hurdles.
However, optimism for a quick resolution seems to be waning. President Biden, who had expressed optimism after talks with Qatar’s Emir and Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi, appeared more reserved about the immediate prospects for an agreement. He acknowledged that while Hamas was reportedly retreating, the U.S. would persist in its efforts to secure a ceasefire.
The President’s call with Netanyahu occurred during his vacation at a private estate in Santa Ynez, California. The discussion also touched upon escalating tensions with Iran and its support for militant groups like Hamas, Hezbollah, and the Houthis.
Secretary of State Antony Blinken’s recent meetings with officials in Israel, Egypt, and Qatar have set the stage for further negotiations in Cairo later this week. Blinken characterized the current moment as potentially the final opportunity to secure a ceasefire and achieve a lasting peace agreement.
Despite these diplomatic efforts, an Egyptian official revealed that Hamas remains opposed to the bridging proposal. The proposal’s first phase, which involves the release of civilian hostages, lacks clear guarantees about Israeli troop withdrawals from Gaza’s strategic corridors, including the Philadelphi and Netzarim corridors. Hamas demands a complete Israeli withdrawal from Gaza.
Earlier this week, Netanyahu met with right-wing groups opposed to a ceasefire, reportedly indicating that Israel would not abandon its positions in these critical areas. Netanyahu’s office did not comment on these discussions.
As negotiations continue, Blinken emphasized that the bridging proposal outlines a schedule for Israeli military withdrawals, though specific details remain undisclosed.