Biden Confronts Netanyahu over Critical Gaza Ceasefire

On Wednesday, the US President Joe Biden called his Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu and stressed that the ongoing Gaza conflict should be resolved soon with a ceasefire. The call also concerned the continuing talks with an emphasis on these to take place in Cairo. The US administration is intent on finishing the 10 month-long war.

In the critical call, Biden said that a ceasefire-for-hostages deal must be reached fast. In addition, he highlighted the importance of next week’s Meeting in Cairo and its vital chance to address these hurdles. 

The White House in a statement also mentioned that Vice President Kamala Harris was also on the call. Harris plans to formally accept the Democratic nomination and would be competing against ex-President Donald Trump for presidency.

Urgent Diplomatic Efforts

The call followed US Secretary of State Antony Blinken’s recent Middle East trip, which ended without an agreement between Israel and Hamas on a Gaza truce. Negotiators now plan to meet in Cairo in the coming days to continue discussions.

A ceasefire deal remains a top priority for the Biden administration. US officials describe the talks as close to an agreement, but final terms have proven elusive. The US has proposed a “bridging proposal” to narrow the gaps between Israel and Hamas, supported by mediators from Egypt and Qatar.

Biden and Netanyahu also discussed US efforts to support Israel against threats from Iran and its proxy groups, including Hamas, Hezbollah, and the Houthis. In response to these threats, the US has ordered military deployments to the region, including a guided missile submarine and the accelerated deployment of the Abraham Lincoln strike group.

Contentious Issues and Regional Tensions

The call also addressed Israel’s demand to keep troops stationed on the Philadelphi Corridor, a 14.5-kilometer tract of land along Gaza and Egypt. Israel captured the area in May after blowing up tunnels it said Hamas used to smuggle weapons. Hamas wants a total Israeli pullout from Gaza, including the corridor.

Biden was anticipated to push Netanyahu to water down Israel’s position in this regard. But a spokesman for Netanyahu’s office said that Israel had agreed to no such thing. This disagreement is still the major stumbling block in the talks.

Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh was assassinated in Tehran on July 31 and Iran has promised a response, accusing Israel of carrying out the order. Israel has neither confirmed nor denied a role in the attacks. The ultimatum exacerbates regional tensions and complicates diplomatic efforts. 

The humanitarian situation in Gaza has gained importance as the struggle goes on. A ceasefire would also enable increased aid deliveries and the release of hostages held by Hamas. These factors add urgency to the ongoing diplomacy efforts.

The fact that Vice President Harris is on the call is significant, given this week she is expected to accept her formal vice presidential and Democratic nomination in Chicago Thursday night. Her involvement serves to underscore an administration wide posture with all factors working together in concert on the Gaza issue.

Now, attention is focused on the Cairo talks — to implement a ceasefire agreement as negotiations carry on. The talks could be the key to closing the final space between Israel and Hamas. Its outcome might determine whether there’s any hope for peace in the Middle East anytime soon.

The ongoing conflict and diplomatic efforts highlight the difficult challenges the Biden administration faces as it tries to support Israel while also working to achieve a ceasefire and provide humanitarian help in Gaza.