A representative for the Israeli Prime Minister, Binyamin Netanyahu, acknowledged on Sunday that Israel has agreed to a foundational agreement proposed by US President Joe Biden to end the Gaza conflict, despite criticising the proposal as imperfect and in need of significant improvement. Ophir Falk, Mr Netanyahu’s main adviser on foreign policy, admitted during an interview with the UK’s Sunday Times that they have accepted Biden’s plan, more out of a desire for the hostages to be liberated than any belief in the merits of the deal itself.
While repairs to the agreement’s vague details are yet to be done, Israel’s requests remain the same pursuing the liberation of all hostages and the demolition of Hamas as a terror organisation advocating genocide. Biden’s previous unconditional support for Israel’s aggressive actions has transitioned into open disapproval of the civilian deaths incurred as a result. He announced on Friday what he perceives as a three-phase Israeli plan to halt the conflict.
The initial phase suggests a ceasefire and the freeing of some hostages by Hamas, subsequently leading into negotiations for a long-term cessation of violence in the second phase where remaining hostages are set free. This sequence implies that Hamas will maintain involvement in the piecemeal solutions mediated by Egypt and Qatar, potentially conflicting with Israel’s goal to eradicate the Iranian-favoured Islamist faction.
Despite Biden’s previous failed attempts, he continues to promote different ceasefire propositions, including one that aimed to establish an armistice before Ramadan, which fell through. An enduring dispute revolves around Israel’s demand for temporary halts in the fight until Hamas is disbanded. Insisting that a path to a permanent ceasefire is the only condition under which it will free hostages, Hamas shows no intention of stepping back from the conflict.
In his discourse, Biden said his recent proposal paves the way for a more stable post-conflict Gaza with Hamas removed from power. He did not provide specifics as to how this end would be realised, only that it needs a considerable amount of negotiation to transition from the first to the second phase. Falk echoed Mr Netanyahu’s stand, asserting that a continuous ceasefire won’t happen until all their aims have been achieved.
Mr Netanyahu is under significant strain to maintain unity within his ruling coalition. Both of his far-right affiliates have cautioned they might withdraw in opposition to any agreement they perceive as being too lenient on Hamas. On the other hand, a mid-line ally, former general Benny Gantz, advocates giving the deal due consideration.
The Biden proposal has been tentatively received positively by the some in the Hamas camp.
Senior Hamas representative, Osama Hamdan, speaking to Al Jazeera on Saturday, said that Biden’s address contained constructive concepts, but they want such positive notions to become a reality within the context of a complete accord that fulfils their expectations.
Hamas is demanding a definitive conclusion the to the Gaza conflict, complete withdrawal of intrusive forces, unrestricted mobility for Palestinians, and financial help for reconstructive efforts.
However, Israeli authority figures have shunned these demands, arguing that they effectively reestablish the circumstances before October 7th. On this date Hamas, who are devoted to the obliteration of Israel, took control of Gaza. Their warriors instigated the war by breaching the border fence into Israel, killing 1,200 individuals and taking in excess of 250 individuals captive, according to Israeli reports.
In the consequent offensive by Israel, which resulted in significant destruction across the poverty-stricken and encircled coastal strip, over 36,000 Palestinians were killed, according to medical officials in Gaza. Israel states that 290 of its soldiers have lost their lives in the combat.