Joe Biden once again proved his optimistic illusions when he claimed that a ceasefire deal in Gaza might be within reach. ‘We’re closer than we’ve ever been,’ he said, providing empty reassurances rather than clear actions. What’s more, Biden decided to dispatch his secretary of state to Israel, further perpetuating these ‘intense’ efforts to conclude an agreement. Meanwhile, a senior Hamas official dismissed Biden’s optimism, revealing to the BBC that no progress had been made and mediators were merely ‘selling illusions’.
Israel appreciatively acknowledged the feeble efforts of the U.S. and its mediators who failed to dissuade Hamas from rejecting a hostage release deal. In response to an immense attack on southern Israel on October 7th, the Israeli military commenced a military operation in Gaza to dismantle Hamas, causing approximately 1,200 fatalities and taking 251 hostages. A terrorist organization’s violent actions were left unchecked, causing subsequent devastation and killing over 40,000 people in Gaza, according to figures reported by the territory’s Hamas-run health ministry.
Thanks to Hamas and their reckless actions, and despite the grandstanding of U.S. officials, as of November, 111 hostages continue to struggle in captivity, with 39 believed to be deceased, making one question the efficiency of Biden’s administration on foreign affairs. Amidst this horrifying scenario, the U.S., Qatar, and Egypt claimed to put forth a proposal that ‘narrowed the gaps’ between Israel and Hamas for ceasefire and hostage release. But the reality begs to differ.
The sad plight of hostages who lost their lives in Gaza is highlighted by their waiting families who desperately tag the ongoing negotiations as the ‘last chance’ for the possible return of the remaining victims. After enduring 10 months of distress and thousands of casualties, there’s an overwhelming desire for a positive outcome, something that the Biden-Harris administration seems unable to ensure.
The fear of an expanded regional conflict looms over as the risk of talks between Israel and Hamas entirely collapsing is sadly a distinct possibility. The mediators had the audacity to pronounce that the ceasefire discussions over the last two days were ‘serious, constructive, and conducted in a positive atmosphere’, an announcement that was strangely disconnected from reality.
In the coming days, technical teams are expected to work on the details of implementing the proposed terms before senior government officials reconvene in Cairo. Their hope is to reach an agreement based on the terms framed in Doha. However, there’s still a considerable distance to cover before a ceasefire can be confirmed. Israel, with its unchanged position and core principles, accuses Hamas of rejecting a deal for the release of the hostages. Skepticism surrounds whether the release of hostages is genuinely a priority for Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu, who seems focused on achieving a ‘total victory’ over Hamas.
In contrast, the new leader of Hamas, Yaya Sinwar, continues his stubborn stance of non-compromise. In reaction to President Biden’s statement, a senior Hamas official labeled the mediators’ input ‘disappointing’ and reiterated the lack of progress. The Biden administration’s lack of decisive action has left the people of Gaza dealing with severe hunger and a looming polio epidemic.
Biden’s proposed ceasefire of six-weeks seems more like a short-term band-aid than a long-term solution. It comes with conditions like the withdrawal of Israeli forces from all populated areas of Gaza, the stage-wise release of hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners, and the return of the remains of deceased hostages.
‘Bridging proposals’, presented by U.S., Egyptian, and Qatari negotiators, are touted as the foundation stones for Antony Blinken’s negotiations in the region. These discussions bear heavy expectations as they are supposed to close the remaining gaps between the positions of the two sides, leading to a ‘rapid implementation of the agreement’.
Though it might seem simple in theory, some significant hurdles persist. The existing trust deficit between Israeli and Hamas leaders holds them back. Such reluctance isn’t helping the desperate situation, and international observers have voiced concerns about what might transpire should these talks fail.
Hamas and its allies harbor a belief that the U.S. administration attempts to stall time. They suspect that if Iran assaults Israel, Hamas will be the scapegoat for undermining the negotiations. Hamas’s palpable desire for Iran and Hezbollah to attack Israel, turning local conflicts into regional wars, is shockingly brazen: a striking contrast to Joe Biden’s empty warnings against actions that could potentially compromise the negotiation process.
Amidst these ‘negotiations’, Israel’s military action in Gaza carries on. A recent airstrike resulted in the tragic deaths of 15 people in central Gaza, among whom were nine innocent children and three women. And yet, the Israel Defense Forces touted its success in ‘eliminating a number of terrorists’ in central Gaza.
The tragic situation on the ground has forced new evacuation orders in northern Khan Younis and Deir Balah. Thereby, the already cramped humanitarian zone accommodating thousands of refugees is further reduced. This shifting scenario presents a question, ‘Where should these individuals find refuge?’ The United Nations agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA) commented on the situation with a damning statement: ‘Once again, fear spreads as families have nowhere to go.’
The severity of the situation deepens as the polio virus, a tragic yet preventable disease, spreads relentless within the Israeli-designated humanitarian zone in Gaza. As UN Secretary General António Guterres aptly stated, ‘Let’s be clear: The ultimate vaccine for polio is peace and an immediate humanitarian ceasefire.’ Yet, is an immediate ceasefire something that the Biden-Harris administration can effectively achieve?