Biden Calls for Ceasefire Agreement in Gaza Amid Rising Tensions
In a significant diplomatic move, US President Joe Biden announced his administration's commitment to broker a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip and facilitate the release of Israeli detainees. This statement comes in the wake of the assassination of Hezbollah's Secretary-General, Hassan Nasrallah, which has heightened tensions in the region. Biden emphasized the urgent need to reach agreements that would alleviate threats to Israel and promote regional stability.
Families of Israeli prisoners in Gaza have voiced their concerns, urging Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government to leverage the changing dynamics in the north to negotiate a prisoner exchange deal. Protests erupted in central Tel Aviv, where demonstrators blocked major streets to demand action from the government regarding the situation of prisoners held by Palestinian factions.
Bassem Naim, a member of Hamas's political bureau, dismissed claims from Israeli media that the group had agreed to release all Israeli prisoners within three weeks in exchange for a ceasefire and the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza. Naim clarified that Gershon Baskin, who has been involved in negotiations, does not represent the ruling system or security services in Israel and is primarily assisting families of prisoners seeking resolution.
Reports suggest that Baskin had communicated with a senior Hamas official about a proposal for a comprehensive deal, which includes a five-year ceasefire, the release of Palestinian prisoners, and the withdrawal of Israeli troops from Gaza. However, negotiations have been stalled for over ten months, largely due to Netanyahu's continued military operations in the region and Hamas's demands for a complete Israeli withdrawal and the return of displaced persons.
Despite these challenges, mediation efforts by Egypt, Qatar, and the United States remain active, aiming to achieve a ceasefire and a prisoner exchange agreement between the conflicting parties.
