The Biden Administration is taking steps to propose a temporary cease-fire in the Israel-Hamas conflict to the United Nations Security Council. The proposed draft resolution calls for a halt in the fighting and urges Israel not to enter Rafah in the Gaza Strip. The resolution emphasizes that a major ground offensive into Rafah would result in further harm to civilians and their displacement. However, this proposal has faced criticism from some who argue that it is a betrayal of U.S. interests and values.
President Biden has expressed his hope that Israel will not launch a massive land invasion into Rafah. He has engaged with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on the situation and advocated for a temporary cease-fire to allow for hostage negotiations. The release of hostages is a key concern, and if they are not home by Ramadan, the fighting will continue and expand to Rafah.
Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant has stated that the decision to invade Rafah is one that Israel will make independently. He argues that Hamas is left with marginal forces in the central camps and with the Rafah Brigade, and a military operation by the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) could lead to the collapse of Hamas as a military system. Israeli forces have already managed to free two hostages through limited incursions into Rafah.
Critics of an invasion into Rafah have raised concerns about the safety of the more than 1 million people sheltering there. They argue that a credible and executable plan must be in place to ensure their safety and support. The United States continues to support the two-state solution and opposes policies that endanger its viability or contradict mutual interests and values.
Yigal Carmon, a former colonel in Israel’s military intelligence service, believes that seizing Rafah would significantly limit the war. He highlights the history of smuggling operations through the Rafah crossing and warns that if it is not stopped, there will be no end to heavy missile attacks on Tel Aviv and its surroundings. Carmon suggests that the United States should pressure Egypt to fulfill its commitment to prevent the need for a military operation.
Some speculate that President Biden’s pressure on Israel is aimed at winning over the large American-Muslim vote in Dearborn, Michigan, a critical swing state for his 2024 reelection campaign. However, critics argue that this pressure is driven by left-wing ideologues using the pretext of political necessity and the potential for a Saudi-Israel normalization deal.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has called for strong military action and tough negotiations to secure the release of hostages. He emphasizes the importance of exerting pressure on Hamas and those who can influence them, particularly Qatar. Qatar hosts Hamas leaders and provides financial support to the group. Netanyahu urges the international community to press Qatar to press Hamas for the release of hostages.
The proposed cease-fire resolution will now be presented to the United Nations Security Council for consideration. The outcome of this resolution will have significant implications for the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas. As the situation continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how the international community will respond and what impact it will have on efforts to achieve lasting peace and security for Israelis and Palestinians alike.