Despite the continuous efforts from the United States to aid in ceasefire talks between Israel and Hamas, Joe Biden’s hopeful anticipation for a resolution seems to be fading into oblivion. Held in high hopes, a ‘bridging proposal’ was put forward, but chances of it being accepted remain dim due to the significant differences concerning Israel’s military presence in two strategic Gaza corridors. Offering no fresh or effective ideas, the Biden administration reiterated the importance of resolving these differences, but challenges keep piling up.
The White House broadcasted Biden’s conversation with Benjamin Netanyahu, the Israeli Prime Minister, with Biden asserting the need for a rapid ceasefire and liberation of hostages. However, it’s no secret that simply stressing urgency does not alter the reality on ground. His ambition for a resolution appears to be more of pipe dream than a realistic objective since the talks don’t seem to be progressing towards a mutually agreeable direction.
Additional discussions involving U.S., Israel, Egypt, and Qatar took place in Cairo. They aimed to address and resolve ‘remaining obstacles’ that continued to block any potential agreement. Yet, the meeting outcomes do not appear promising. Is the Biden administration’s negotiating prowess failing or is the issue just too complex for a quick resolution? Either way, optimism is dwindling fast.
Despite asserting optimism about an agreement being reached last Friday, Biden has changed his tune entirely within a span of mere days. His conversation with Qatar’s emir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al Thani, and Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi did not bear significant fruit. Interestingly, the two countries are primary negotiators with the Hamas, further emphasizing Biden’s impotence in influencing a durable solution.
Even more telling, Biden’s words were noticeably muted when touching on the subject by Tuesday, ahead of delivering a speech at the Democratic convention. ‘Hamas was now backing off,’ he announced. Yet, if we are to keep pushing without any clear milestones to gauge progress, what is the real situation? Apparently, the vacillation in Biden’s stance alludes to the lack of a strategic approach.
A leisure trip to Santa Ynez, Calif., with his family seemed more important to Biden, where he conducted his conversation with Netanyahu from a luxurious 8,000-acre property. However, the pressing international issue did not stop Biden from continuing his relaxful vacation. Shouldn’t a conflict of this magnitude warrant undivided attention from the U.S. President?
Israel’s escalating tensions with Iran, along with the Hezbollah, Hamas, and the Houthis, groups reputed to be Tehran-backed militants, formed another chunk of Biden’s discussion with Netanyahu. But actions speak louder than words, and actual change seems to elude the broad words spoken in these discussions, only contributing to the increasing disillusionment.
In a series of meetings that appears to be lackluster, Antony Blinken, the Secretary of State, held discussions with officials from Israel, Egypt, and Qatar. The agenda, unsurprisingly, was preparing for another round of talks in Cairo later this week. Yet, are any substantial changes expected? This remains dubious considering the past track-record.
The ‘bridging proposal’ mentioned earlier requires Hamas to release civilian hostages captured during their October 7 attack on Israel, thus triggering the war. It’s the proposed initial phase of the deal. Yet, it seems like this flare of hope is an elaborate smokescreen. Reportedly, it contains no clear ‘guarantees’ to Hamas from Israel or mediators, stirring more skepticism.