President Joe Biden is urging Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to finalize a deal to release hostages and secure a ceasefire in Gaza. This potential agreement has been a priority for Biden, especially after recent positive signals from Hamas.
Biden’s Efforts for Peace in Gaza
The Push for a Deal
For months, President Biden has been pushing for a ceasefire and the release of hostages held by Hamas in Gaza. The latest response from Hamas has been encouraging, and Biden wants to take advantage of this moment to close the deal.
Why This Matters
Securing this deal would be a significant foreign policy achievement for Biden, who faces criticism after the recent presidential debate. The deal would include the release of U.S. citizens and lead to a ceasefire in Gaza.
Recent Developments
Hamas’ Response
On Wednesday, Hamas provided an updated response to Israel’s latest proposal. Israeli officials described this response as a major step forward, opening the door to detailed negotiations.
Netanyahu’s Decision
Following Hamas’ response, Prime Minister Netanyahu approved sending Israeli negotiators to Doha for detailed talks. In a call with Biden, Netanyahu confirmed his decision and reiterated Israel’s commitment to ending the conflict.
The White House Perspective
Biden’s Optimism
Biden welcomed Netanyahu’s decision to engage with mediators from the U.S., Qatar, and Egypt. A senior White House official noted that Biden and his team believe there is now a real opportunity for a deal.
Key Points of Progress
The White House described Hamas’ latest response as a breakthrough, agreeing to a framework Biden outlined in a May speech. This agreement addresses a key point of contention in the negotiations.
Detailed Negotiations Ahead
Next Steps
An Israeli delegation, including Mossad director David Barnea, will travel to Doha to continue negotiations. They will meet with Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed Bin Abdul Rahman al-Thani.
Hope for a Quick Resolution
Israeli officials are optimistic that detailed negotiations can lead to a deal within two to three weeks. The main focus is now on the implementation details of the agreement.
Potential Impact
Hostage Release and Ceasefire
The proposed deal includes a three-phase plan for the release of 120 hostages and a ceasefire in Gaza. The first phase focuses on humanitarian cases, with a 42-day ceasefire in exchange for the release of certain hostages.
Prisoner Exchange
In return, Israel would release about 900 Palestinian prisoners, including over 150 serving life sentences for killing Israelis.
Conclusion
The recent progress in negotiations between Israel and Hamas could lead to a historic agreement, with significant implications for the region and for President Biden’s foreign policy legacy. Both sides seem ready to move forward, and the coming weeks will be crucial in determining the success of this initiative.
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