Biden Aims for Ceasefire in Israel-Hamas Conflict as Talks Progress in Qatar
U.S. President Joe Biden expressed his hope for a ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas conflict in Gaza by next Monday, as negotiations took place in Qatar. The talks also aimed to secure the release of hostages. Both sides participated in proximity talks, suggesting progress in negotiations. President Biden indicated that a ceasefire could start within days, and he expected it to be in place by next Monday.
The U.S. officials actively worked on achieving a pause-for-hostages deal by the beginning of Ramadan on March 10. Optimism grew from meetings between the Israelis and Qataris. Despite public differences, with Israel and Hamas maintaining contrasting positions on a possible truce, there were accusations of delays from both sides.
Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh accused Israel of stalling while Gazans suffered, emphasizing their commitment to ending the war. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that Israel was ready for a deal, putting the onus on Hamas to drop what he termed as unrealistic demands.
Discussions between Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani and Hamas chief Ismail Haniyeh focused on Qatar’s efforts to broker an immediate and permanent ceasefire agreement in Gaza. Reports indicated that an Israeli working delegation went to Qatar to establish an operational center supporting negotiations.
Israel maintained its public stance of not ending the conflict until Hamas is eradicated, while Hamas insisted on a ceasefire agreement to secure an end to aggression, withdrawal of the occupation, and other conditions.
Pressure mounted on Israel to agree to a truce to prevent a potential assault on Rafah in southern Gaza. Netanyahu affirmed the plan for an assault on Rafah but stated Israel’s readiness to evacuate civilians if needed.
Negotiations gained momentum since Friday, with talks in Paris discussing the terms of a hostage release deal involving the U.S., Egypt, and Qatar, though not directly with Hamas.
The resignation of Palestinian Authority Prime Minister Mohammad Shtayyeh aimed to facilitate broad consensus among Palestinians regarding political arrangements after the Gaza war. The Palestinian Authority lost control of Gaza to Hamas in 2007, and Shtayyeh’s departure could impact longer-term negotiations.
