In recent developments surrounding the volatile situation in Gaza, U.S. President Joe Biden engaged in a significant phone conversation with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. This communication comes during the final weeks of Biden’s administration, just as discussions about a ceasefire agreement and potential hostage releases are picking up momentum.
According to sources, progress has been reported between Israeli officials and Hamas, but the ongoing discussions are laden with uncertainties concerning essential elements of the proposed agreement. The White House emphasized that Biden and Netanyahu discussed the “fundamentally changed regional circumstances” resulting from shifts in power dynamics, notably Israel’s ceasefire agreement with Hezbollah in Lebanon and changes arising from the Assad regime’s decline in Syria, as well as Iran’s diminishing influence in the region.
In the conversation, Netanyahu informed Biden about the directives he had established for his senior negotiators in Doha, aiming to expedite the release of hostages taken during the ongoing conflict. This dialogue marks an important point, highlighting the urgency that both sides are feeling amidst the pressures of recent developments.
During this pivotal call, which was the first public announcement since October, Biden reiterated the immediate need for a ceasefire in Gaza, coupled with the return of hostages. He underscored the importance of increased humanitarian aid facilitated by a temporary halt in hostilities. Following this dialogue, Netanyahu dispatched a high-level Israeli security delegation, including leaders from intelligence agencies like the Mossad and Shin Bet, to engage in indirect negotiations in Qatar. These discussions are being mediated by Qatari, U.S., and Egyptian officials, indicating a collaborative international effort to resolve the crisis.
Further intensifying the negotiations, Israeli media reported that Netanyahu was actively engaging members of his cabinet who have expressed opposition to a ceasefire agreement, attempting to ensure their support and stave off any potential resignations. Meanwhile, UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy had discussions with his Israeli counterpart in Jerusalem to focus on advancing the ongoing negotiations.
Additionally, Donald Trump’s Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff, met with Netanyahu to navigate potential agreements before the presidential inauguration set for January 20. Trump’s previous remarks suggested a significant concern regarding the fate of hostages, noting that “all hell would break loose” if they were not released before he took office again, emphasizing the precarious nature of the situation going forward.
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken remarked last Thursday that a deal was “very close,” expressing hope that it could be finalized before Trump’s return to the White House. Any agreement reached would likely reflect the proposals Biden suggested back in May, which have since become focal points for ongoing discussions.
Despite the apparent urgency and increased diplomatic activity, there remains considerable ambiguity surrounding the negotiations, particularly whether an initial ceasefire could lead to a permanent peace agreement and if the Israeli military would agree to completely withdraw from Gaza. Experts, such as Anshel Pfeffer, a correspondent for The Economist, expressed skepticism regarding the likelihood of a swift resolution. Pfeffer articulated that while there is slight optimism, true progress would require clear announcements or tangible actions, including visible hostage releases.
The catalyst for recent escalations in violence can be traced back to the Hamas attack on southern Israel on October 7, 2023, which resulted in significant casualties and the taking of hostages. In the aftermath, Israel initiated a military campaign aimed at dismantling Hamas, which has led to a devastating toll in Gaza, with reports indicating that over 46,500 lives have been lost, as noted by Gaza’s Hamas-run health ministry. Israeli reports suggest that 94 hostages are still held in Gaza, with 34 presumed dead, alongside casualties from previous abductions.
As both sides navigate the current crisis, the collective experiences of suffering and loss underscore the urgency for a resolution. It is crucial for both Israel and Hamas to strike a deal while they still perceive mutual interest before any changes in the U.S. political landscape unfold with the new presidency.
