Biden's Last-Ditch Effort to Broker Peace and Free Hostages
Thousands of Israelis demonstrated on June 1 in Tel Aviv, urging their government to accept an agreement proposed by American President Joe Biden for the release of hostages held by Hamas. The demonstrators, many waving Israeli flags, expressed hope that Biden's intervention could pressure Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu into accepting the terms. 'Biden is our only hope,' stated Abigail Zur, emphasizing the urgency of the situation.
Biden, in a speech the previous Friday, had outlined a roadmap toward a comprehensive ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, which included the release of hostages. Protesters held banners such as 'Biden, save them from Netanyahu,' reflecting widespread concern that Netanyahu might jeopardize an agreement. Diti Kapuano lamented, 'The Prime Minister cares more about his power than the fate of the hostages.' The demonstrators echoed the sentiments of the Forum of Families of Hostages and Missing Persons, who demanded that the Israeli government immediately approve the agreement.
Far-right Israeli ministers have threatened to leave the government if Netanyahu moves ahead with the ceasefire agreement. Despite these challenges, demonstrators remained hopeful. 'We are strong enough to take care of the war afterwards. First, let’s take them home,' stated Glick Gilad, reflecting the desire to prioritize the release of hostages.
Inside the Political Maneuvering Behind Biden’s Speech
A senior political official confirmed that the outline presented by Biden represented Israel's offer to Hamas. The primary condition: Israel reserves the right to resume fighting if Hamas breaches its commitments, including releasing fewer hostages than agreed upon. Biden's speech was aimed at rallying international support and pressuring Hamas to accept the deal. If Hamas or Netanyahu reject the agreement, the hostage deal and cease-fire could collapse, potentially escalating the crisis.
Biden revealed that Israel's proposal includes three stages: an initial six-week ceasefire to facilitate the release of hostages and prisoners, continued negotiations for complete hostilities cessation, and the reconstruction of Gaza. This plan, if accepted, would bring significant humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip while ensuring Israel's security interests.
Notably, Biden’s speech highlighted tensions between him and Netanyahu as elements within the Israeli government, particularly the far-right, oppose the proposed concessions. Analysts suggest that Biden’s proactive steps serve to trap Netanyahu, forcing him to navigate internal and external pressures. Critics also noted that Netanyahu’s office released statements emphasizing Israel's conditions for the ceasefire, underscoring the contentious nature of these negotiations.
- The PM's office issued an unusual announcement on Friday evening in Hebrew, detailing the proposal's conditions, and followed up with an English version the next day. This move indicates Netanyahu’s attempt to manage domestic and international expectations.
- Hamas' response to Biden’s proposal has been cautiously positive, with the group indicating a willingness to engage with the terms. The international reaction has been broadly supportive, with key figures like French President Macron and the European Union's foreign minister welcoming Biden's efforts to broker peace.
- Behind the scenes, the US State Department has been actively engaging with Middle Eastern allies, including Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Qatar, and Turkey, to garner support for the proposal. This diplomatic push highlights the global stakes of the Israeli-Hamas conflict and the urgency for a resolution.
- There are concerns about the future stability of the Israeli government, with Netanyahu’s coalition partners threatening to withdraw support if the deal proceeds. This political instability could have significant implications for the region’s peace efforts.
