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Ceasefire Hopes: U.S. Expects Israel's Acceptance If Hamas Concurs

Monday 03 June 2024 - 09:00

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In a significant development amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, the United States has expressed confidence that Israel will accept a proposed ceasefire plan if the Palestinian militant group Hamas agrees to the terms. This revelation comes from a senior White House official, as the Biden administration intensifies efforts to broker a resolution to the escalating hostilities in the Gaza Strip.

The three-part plan, unveiled by President Joe Biden last week, offers a framework for a potential cessation of hostilities. It proposes an initial six-week ceasefire, followed by a surge of humanitarian aid into Gaza, and an exchange of hostages for Palestinian prisoners before a permanent end to the war.

Speaking to ABC News on Sunday morning, White House National Security Council spokesman John Kirby stated, "We have every expectation that Israel will say yes to the proposed ceasefire deal if Hamas accepts." He further added, "We're waiting for an official response from Hamas, and we hope that both sides agree to start the first phase of the plan as soon as possible."

The proposed plan has encountered vocal opposition from some members of Israel's government, underscoring the complexities involved in navigating the intricate dynamics of the conflict. However, the U.S. appears resolute in its efforts to facilitate a diplomatic solution.

Late on Sunday, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken made separate calls to Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant and war cabinet member Benny Gantz, lobbying for the ceasefire deal. According to State Department spokesman Matthew Miller, Blinken "commended Israel for the proposal" and stressed that Hamas should accept the deal "without delay," emphasizing that the proposal would "advance Israel's long-term security interests."

Despite the U.S. efforts, the path to a ceasefire remains fraught with obstacles. Two far-right Israeli ministers, Bezalel Smotrich and Itamar Ben-Gvir, have threatened to quit and collapse the governing coalition if Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu agrees to the deal, insisting that Hamas must be destroyed before any ceasefire is considered.

Hanoch Milwidsky, a senior member of the Knesset for Netanyahu's Likud Party, echoed this sentiment, stating that the Israeli government is unified in opposition to the deal, which he termed "completely unacceptable." Milwidsky asserted that the war would not stop until Hamas's military and governing capabilities are destroyed, and all hostages are released.

Amid these divergent perspectives, the U.S. remains hopeful that its intelligence assessment, which suggests that Hamas has been militarily degraded to the extent that it can no longer repeat attacks like the one on October 7, will sway the parties towards a ceasefire.

As the diplomatic efforts continue, the humanitarian crisis in Gaza intensifies. The UN reports that all 36 of its shelters in the Rafah area are empty, and an estimated 1.7 million people are displaced in Khan Younis and parts of central Gaza. The conflict has already claimed the lives of more than 36,000 people, according to the Hamas-run health ministry, underscoring the urgency for a resolution.