Biden Urges Netanyahu to Expedite Gaza Ceasefire as Diplomatic Efforts Intensify

In a significant development in the ongoing Gaza conflict, US President Joe Biden has emphasized the urgent need for a ceasefire and a hostage release agreement during a call with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The conversation, which also included Vice President Kamala Harris, highlighted the growing international pressure to end the devastating war that has raged since October 7, 2023.

According to a White House statement, President Biden stressed the importance of removing "any remaining obstacles" that could hinder an agreement with Hamas. This call followed US Secretary of State Antony Blinken's recent diplomatic tour of the Middle East, during which he pushed for a deal to end the hostilities.

The discussion between the two leaders also addressed the broader regional security landscape. Biden reaffirmed Washington's commitment to defending Israel against threats from Iran and its proxy groups, including Hamas, Hezbollah, and the Houthis.

However, significant challenges remain in achieving a ceasefire agreement. Netanyahu's office reiterated Israel's intention to maintain a military presence along the Philadelphi Corridor, a strip of land bordering Egypt, even in the event of a deal. This stance has become a major point of contention, with Hamas insisting on a complete withdrawal of Israeli troops from Gaza. Egypt, too, opposes the presence of Israeli forces along its border with Gaza.

The disagreement over troop withdrawal has caused some friction between the US and Israel. A US official, speaking on condition of anonymity, criticized Netanyahu for making "maximalist statements" that were "not constructive to getting a ceasefire deal across the finish line."

Despite these obstacles, diplomatic efforts continue. A new round of ceasefire talks is scheduled to take place in Cairo this weekend, with representatives from the US, Israel, Egypt, and Qatar expected to attend. While Hamas has not yet confirmed its participation, it is believed that the group continues to receive updates on negotiations through Egyptian and Qatari mediators.

Basem Naim, a member of the Hamas political bureau, told the BBC that the group had already "agreed to a deal [through mediators] on July 2" and therefore saw no need for further negotiations. He accused Netanyahu of lacking genuine interest in reaching a ceasefire, suggesting that the Israeli Prime Minister was more focused on escalating regional tensions to serve his own political interests.

Meanwhile, the situation on the ground in Gaza remains dire. On Wednesday, Hamas-run health authorities reported that at least 50 Palestinians were killed by Israeli airstrikes. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) stated that it had targeted approximately 30 locations across Gaza, including tunnels, launch sites, and an observation post.

One of the strikes hit the UN-run Salah al-Din school in Gaza City, which the IDF claimed was being used by Hamas operatives as a hideout. The attack resulted in at least four deaths and 15 injuries, according to the Hamas-run Civil Defence service. Philippe Lazzarini, head of the UN's Palestinian refugee agency, reported that children were among those killed, some "burnt to death," and emphasized that "a ceasefire is beyond overdue."

The conflict, which began with Hamas's attack on southern Israel on October 7, 2023, has resulted in a staggering death toll. More than 40,223 people have been killed in Gaza, according to the territory's Hamas-run health ministry, with the UN human rights office stating that the majority of casualties are women and children. On the Israeli side, about 1,200 people were killed in the initial attack, with 251 taken hostage.

The violence has also spilled over into neighboring countries. On Wednesday, Israel and Lebanon's Hezbollah movement exchanged fire, with Israel targeting a Hezbollah weapons storage facility in the Bekaa Valley. In retaliation, Hezbollah launched rockets at Israeli military positions in the Golan Heights.

As the international community watches with growing concern, the pressure on both sides to reach a ceasefire agreement continues to mount. The coming days and weeks will be crucial in determining whether diplomatic efforts can overcome the significant hurdles that remain and bring an end to this devastating conflict.