President Biden Hopes for Cease-Fire Between Israel and Hamas by Next Week
In a recent statement, President Joe Biden expressed his hope for a cease-fire between Israel and Hamas to take effect by early next week. The president made these comments while in New York, where he had just finished taping an appearance on NBC’s “Late Night With Seth Meyers.” Biden’s national security adviser has informed him that negotiations are progressing, and they are close to reaching an agreement. The proposed cease-fire would not only pause hostilities but also allow for the release of remaining hostages held by Hamas in Gaza.
The negotiations aim to establish a six-week pause in fighting, during which Israel would release hundreds of Palestinian prisoners, and hundreds of trucks would deliver much-needed aid into Gaza every day. This humanitarian effort is crucial, especially considering the start of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan around March 10, which often sees heightened tensions between Israelis and Palestinians.
However, while these negotiations are underway, Human Rights Watch has accused Israel of failing to comply with an order from the United Nations’ top court to provide urgently needed aid to the people in the Gaza Strip. The court ruling, which came a month ago, called for Israel to moderate its war efforts and prevent death, destruction, and acts of genocide in the region. Israel denies these charges and maintains that it is fighting in self-defense.
The situation in Rafah, Gaza’s southernmost town along the border with Egypt, has sparked global concern. Israel’s allies have emphasized the need to protect civilians during the battle against Hamas. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office has presented an operational plan for Rafah to the War Cabinet, including plans for evacuating civilians from the battle zones.
In response to these developments, Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammed Shtayyeh has submitted his government’s resignation. President Mahmoud Abbas is expected to appoint technocrats in line with U.S. demands for internal reform. The U.S. has called for a revitalized Palestinian Authority to govern postwar Gaza, with the eventual goal of achieving statehood. However, Israel rejects this scenario.
The International Court of Justice had previously ordered Israel to follow six provisional measures, including providing urgently needed basic services and humanitarian assistance to Gaza. Israel has submitted a report on its adherence to these measures, but its contents have not been disclosed. Human Rights Watch has criticized Israel for not adequately facilitating fuel deliveries to northern Gaza and for blocking aid from reaching that area.
The Association of International Development Agencies, a coalition of over 70 humanitarian organizations working in Gaza and the West Bank, has reported that almost no aid has reached areas north of Rafah since the court’s ruling. Israel denies restricting aid entry and instead blames humanitarian organizations, stating that large aid shipments sit idle on the Palestinian side of the main crossing.
The war between Israel and Hamas has caused immense devastation in Gaza, with nearly 30,000 people killed, two-thirds of them women and children. The conflict has displaced about 80% of Gaza’s population, leaving them in increasingly smaller spaces and facing starvation. Aid deliveries have been hindered by security issues, and reports have emerged of children dying of starvation in the north of Gaza.
The situation remains dire, and the international community is closely watching the developments. President Biden’s hope for a cease-fire by next week brings a glimmer of hope for the people affected by this devastating conflict. As negotiations continue and pressure mounts on Israel to provide aid, it is crucial to prioritize the well-being of civilians and work towards a lasting solution that brings peace to the region.
