Do as Biden says, or else!
The U.S. government anticipates that Israel will agree to a ceasefire proposal, which includes a six-week cessation of hostilities in Gaza, contingent upon Hamas’s acceptance. The proposal, introduced by President Joe Biden, also aims for a significant increase in humanitarian aid and a potential exchange involving some hostages and Palestinian prisoners, paving the way toward permanently ending the conflict.
Biden has no credibility to push for a permanent ceasefire between Hamas and Israel.
It will not happen.
Equally important, too many major powers in the region feel they are being left out of the new great power game. Including Egypt and Turkey.
Follow the new energy trades… pic.twitter.com/DjDNZyCdG3
— George Papadopoulos (@GeorgePapa19) June 2, 2024
Despite this, the proposal has encountered resistance from certain segments of the Israeli government. The debate occurs amidst ongoing conflict in Rafah, which experienced severe Israeli airstrikes recently. According to the UN agency for Palestinian refugees, UNRWA, all its shelters in Rafah are now empty due to the displacement of residents.
An estimated 1.7 million people have been displaced across Khan Younis and central parts of Gaza. John Kirby, a spokesperson for the National Security Council, in a discussion with ABC News, expressed confidence that Israel would accept the ceasefire if Hamas agrees. Kirby emphasized the urgency for both parties to commence the first phase of the ceasefire “as soon as possible.”
Netanyahu says permanent ceasefire in Israel-Hamas war won’t happen until Hamas is destroyed https://t.co/fMIlj9gFlV
— John Solomon (@jsolomonReports) June 1, 2024
The initial six-week break in fighting is seen as a crucial period for both sides to negotiate the specifics of the second phase, which aims for the return of all remaining living hostages, including male soldiers, and the transition to a permanent cessation of hostilities.
However, the proposal has stirred controversy within the Israeli government. Two far-right ministers, Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, threatened to leave the government if Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu agrees to the ceasefire, insisting on the complete destruction of Hamas before any deal.
Netanyahu maintains that no ceasefire will be considered until Hamas’s military and governance capabilities are sufficiently dismantled and all hostages are freed. Kirby acknowledged that while U.S. intelligence indicates that Hamas has been significantly weakened militarily, it still poses a viable threat.
9th ceasefire deal to be refused, the world leaders are still silent and the US is still supporting.💔🇵🇸
It seems +45,000 innocent Palestainain killed are not enough for Israel? Over 76 years of violence and ethnic cleansing have shown us that politicians are solely driven by… pic.twitter.com/ASoXlrzRNB
— 𝐌𝐚𝐥𝐜𝐨𝐥𝐦 (@Malcolm_Ishmeal) June 2, 2024
Additionally, the Maldives government announced a ban on Israeli citizens from entering the archipelago, prompting a travel warning from Israel’s foreign ministry. This decision follows a backdrop where about 11,000 Israelis visited the Maldives last year, comprising less than 1% of total tourist arrivals.
The ongoing conflict in Gaza has resulted in over 36,000 deaths, as reported by the Hamas-run health ministry, stemming from an unprecedented attack by Hamas in October, which resulted in approximately 1,200 Israeli deaths and 252 hostages taken back to Gaza. Amidst the conflict, President Biden faces increasing domestic pressure to recalibrate U.S. support for Israel and encourage more robust negotiations between the conflicting parties.
Major Points
- The U.S. anticipates Israel will accept a ceasefire proposal, requiring Hamas’s agreement, which includes a six-week pause in Gaza hostilities, humanitarian aid surge, and hostage-prisoner exchange.
- Opposition exists within the Israeli government, with some ministers demanding complete destruction of Hamas before any deal.
- Continuous conflict in Rafah has led to significant displacement, with 1.7 million people displaced across various regions in Gaza.
- The ceasefire aims to transition to permanent peace following a successful initial pause and further negotiations on hostage returns.
- Domestic pressure mounts on President Biden to adjust U.S. support for Israel and push for more decisive negotiations to end the conflict.
TL Holcomb – Reprinted with permission of Whatfinger News
