President Joe Biden, while enjoying a visit to an ice cream shop with comedian Seth Meyers, shared his hopes for a ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas conflict by “next Monday.” Responding to questions about the timing of a potential ceasefire, Biden initially mentioned the beginning of the weekend before correcting himself, indicating his expectation for progress in the coming days.
Earlier reports from CNN suggested that Hamas had adjusted its demands in negotiations for a hostage deal and a pause in the fighting in Gaza. This development follows Israeli criticism of Hamas’ previous stance as “delusional,” bringing the negotiating parties closer to an initial agreement. According to sources familiar with the discussions, Hamas’ softened position may pave the way for a ceasefire and the release of a group of Israeli hostages.
A senior Biden administration official revealed that significant hurdles have been addressed, including Hamas’ insistence on a full Israeli withdrawal and an end to the war. Additionally, Hamas has scaled back its requirements for the release of Palestinian prisoners, signaling progress in the negotiations.
Negotiations are expected to proceed in multiple phases, with the first phase focusing on a temporary truce lasting up to six weeks and the release of Israeli hostages, particularly women, children, the elderly, and the sick, in exchange for a smaller number of Palestinian prisoners than initially demanded by Hamas. Subsequent phases will tackle more complex issues such as the release of Israeli soldiers held captive and the withdrawal of Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) from Gaza.
Teams from the countries involved in the negotiations convened in Doha on Monday to discuss the finer points of the proposed agreement, indicating a concerted effort to achieve a resolution. State Department spokesperson Matt Miller emphasized the ongoing commitment to pursuing a deal and urged Hamas to consider the potential relief it could bring to the Palestinian people.
US National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan refrained from divulging specific terms but expressed optimism about the progress made in recent discussions. He highlighted the need for indirect negotiations with Hamas through mediators like Qatar and Egypt, emphasizing the importance of reaching a firm and final agreement.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, while acknowledging the need for a realistic approach from Hamas, reiterated his determination to secure a comprehensive victory in Gaza. Despite pressure to prioritize the release of hostages, Netanyahu affirmed his intention to proceed with military action in Rafah, underscoring Israel’s commitment to its security objectives.
As negotiations continue, stakeholders remain cautiously optimistic about the prospects of a ceasefire and a resolution to the Israel-Hamas conflict, mindful of the complexities involved and the imperative of ensuring the safety and well-being of all affected civilians.
