Table of Contents
Truce between Israel and Hamas?
US president Joe Biden is reportedly striving to broker a ceasefire agreement in the face of the Israel- Gaza war. In a meeting with Jordan’s king Abdullah II, it was said that the cardinal structure of the agreement has been erected, however there are certain ‘gaps’ that need to be filled.
This deliberation made it into the headlines because of the impending Israeli ground offensive in Rafah. Biden vows to make sure that the agreement is brought to fruition and claims of at least a 6 week pause in the fighting.
The proposed agreement aims to alleviate the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, where approximately 100 hostages remain in captivity by Hamas, out of the 240 abducted during the October 7 assault. Around 100 hostages were previously released during a ceasefire in November.
It is suspected that militants still hold the remains of over 30 individuals, most of whom perished in the October 7 attacks. President Biden has engaged in discussions with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, as well as leaders from Qatar and Egypt, in efforts to advance this initiative.
Challenges and implications
Pertaining to the looming attack in Rafah, Biden expressed his concern for the already hapless situation of the civilians. On the precipice of destruction, he talks about the danger of moving forward without a well put-in-place agreement. The safety and security of those who have been displaced and kept packed in Rafah is critical and imperative as of now.
After a night of relentless bombardment, panic and despair have gripped Rafah, the southernmost city of Gaza. A significant portion of the territory’s population has fled in search of shelter, fearing an imminent Israeli ground assault.
The desperation for a lasting ceasefire is evident as Jordanian king talks about the improbability of affording another Israeli attack. He goes on to accentuate the role of the US president Joe Biden in working tirelessly towards a truce. He also gave a call to action to avoid grave human destruction.
Biden, who was on the receiving end of a considerable amount of criticism for his refusal to promulgate a permanent ceasefire. In his bid for reelection in November, President Biden has adopted a more assertive position with Israel regarding civilian casualties. Last week, he expressed his view that Israel’s offensive was excessive, signaling a shift in his approach.
The meeting between President Biden and King Abdullah II is part of sustained diplomatic efforts, reflecting a shift in Biden’s stance towards seeking a permanent ceasefire and addressing the complexities of political and military control in Gaza. The United States aims to play a pivotal role in resolving the Gaza conflict and strategizing for the post-conflict period.
In their discussions, the two leaders also addressed efforts to prevent the escalation of the conflict throughout the volatile region. In January, three US troops were killed in a drone attack on a base in Jordan, prompting American airstrikes against Iranian-backed militant groups in Iraq and Syria.
King Abdullah II’s visit includes stops in Washington, Canada, France, and Germany, coinciding with increased international efforts to negotiate a ceasefire in Gaza and secure the release of hostages held by Hamas. The deadliest Gaza war ensued after Hamas initiated an unprecedented attack on southern Israel, resulting in approximately 1,160 deaths, primarily civilians, according to an AFP tally based on official Israeli data.
In response, Israel conducted extensive airstrikes and a ground offensive in Gaza, resulting in an estimated 28,340 casualties, predominantly women and children, as reported by the Palestinian territory’s Hamas-run health ministry.
President Biden notably acknowledged on Monday the toll of “over 27,000 Palestinians killed,” indicating a shift from his previous questioning of the figure back in October, expressing concern, particularly for the children affected.
Conclusion:
The efforts led by President Biden and King Abdullah II to broker a ceasefire agreement amid the Israeli war in Gaza underscore the critical need for diplomatic intervention in times of conflict. With escalating tensions and the looming threat of further violence, the importance of international cooperation and humanitarian action cannot be overstated. The proposed ceasefire offers a glimmer of hope for alleviating the suffering of civilians caught in the crossfire and providing a pathway towards lasting peace in the region. As discussions continue and diplomatic efforts intensify, the world watches with anticipation, hoping for a resolution that brings relief to those affected and paves the way for a brighter future.
