President Joe Biden expressed cautious optimism about the prospects of a ceasefire in Gaza, stating, “We are closer than we’ve ever been” following recent negotiations.
Biden announced that Secretary of State Antony Blinken will travel to Israel to continue intensive efforts toward finalizing the agreement.
Amid rising concerns about potential Iranian retaliation for the assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh, Biden urged regional actors to avoid actions that could derail the peace process.
Hamas, however, remains skeptical about the potential deal, while Israel has indicated its commitment to addressing Hamas’s demands before agreeing to a ceasefire.
A joint proposal by the US, Qatar, and Egypt aims to bridge gaps between Israel and Hamas, focusing on a ceasefire and hostage release.
While some hostages have been freed, Israel insists on the release of all hostages as a condition for any agreement.
The ongoing negotiations are seen as a crucial step to avoid further escalation and address the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, exacerbated by recent outbreaks of polio in the region.
Despite progress, significant obstacles remain, including deep mistrust between the parties.
The next round of talks in Cairo is expected to address the remaining issues and advance the ceasefire process.
