President Joe Biden emphasized that the only path for Israel’s survival is to seize the opportunity to achieve peace and security with the Palestinians.
This statement, among the most explicit by the President regarding a potential cease-fire, underscores the urgency of de-escalating current hostilities.
In a detailed interview with NBC, Biden pointed out that Israel, historically supported by most of the world, risks losing this backing if it continues its current conduct, especially with figures like Itamar Ben-Gvir. “Losing support is not in Israel’s interest,” Biden stated, highlighting the need for a change in approach.
The American President proposed that a temporary cease-fire in Gaza could pave the way for altering the dynamics, not immediately achieving a two-state solution but initiating a process towards it.
“A cease-fire in Gaza would provide time to move in a direction many Arab nations are ready to support,” Biden added, emphasizing the importance of ensuring Israel’s security and Palestinian independence without threats to Israel.
Biden revealed that Israel is prepared to halt its conflict with Hamas in Gaza during Ramadan, provided an agreement is reached for releasing some hostages held by the militant group.
American, Egyptian, and Qatari negotiators are working towards a framework agreement where Hamas would release some hostages in exchange for the release of Palestinian prisoners and a six-week cessation of hostilities. During this pause, negotiations would continue for the release of remaining hostages.
The negotiators aim to set an informal deadline before the beginning of Ramadan around March 10, a period often marked by heightened Israeli-Palestinian tensions.
Responding to inquiries about the cease-fire’s commencement, Biden expressed optimism for a resolution by the following Monday. “My national security advisor informed me we are very close to reaching a truce.
We’re not there yet, but we hope to achieve a cease-fire by next Monday,” Biden concluded, indicating a potential breakthrough in the ongoing conflict.
