Hamas urges US to push Israel for ceasefire
Israeli soldiers operate amid the ruins of buildings, at a location given as the Gaza Strip (Reuters)
Hamas Urges US to Pressure Israel for Ceasefire
A senior Hamas official emphasized on Monday that the United States must exert significant pressure on Israel to achieve a ceasefire in the ongoing war in Gaza.
“It is now in the hands of the Americans, if they are serious about achieving a cease-fire before Ramadan, to exercise enough pressure on the Israelis,” stated senior Hamas official Bassem Naim, as reported by NBC News.
Mediators had hoped for a 40-day ceasefire agreement between the two sides before the start of Ramadan, which is set to begin on Sunday.
Israel’s Reluctance and Ongoing Negotiations
Naim also informed Reuters that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu “doesn’t want to reach an agreement and the ball now is in the Americans’ court.”
According to an unnamed Hamas official quoted by Reuters, the terror group’s delegation will continue negotiations in Cairo for another day, striving to reach a deal.
An unnamed Israeli official told Reuters that “Israel is making every effort to reach an agreement” and is currently awaiting a response from Hamas.
Challenges and Disputes
Reuters reported that Israel refrained from participating in the talks in Cairo due to Hamas’s failure to provide a comprehensive list of all hostages who are still alive. Naim explained that this task cannot be accomplished without a cessation of hostilities, as the hostages are scattered throughout the Gaza Strip.
Furthermore, the United States claims that there is an Israeli-approved framework ready for Hamas to accept. However, Hamas disputes this and accuses America of deflecting blame from Israel.
President Biden’s Hopes and Setbacks
Last week, President Joe Biden expressed his hope for a truce by the beginning of this week. However, doubts were cast on his optimism by multiple parties involved in the talks soon after his comments.
President Biden later retracted his prediction after Israeli troops fired on a crowd of Palestinians during a delivery of aid. Israel stated that the people were looting a truck delivering supplies, and it remains unclear how many casualties resulted from shooting versus trampling in the panic.
What factors have led to increased pressure on the US government to take a more impartial approach to the conflict between Israel and Hamas
Ior Hamas official Ismail Haniyeh. With the conflict between Israel and Hamas escalating in recent weeks, international efforts to broker a ceasefire have intensified. However, Hamas is now directly appealing to the United States to play a more assertive role in pressuring Israel to halt its military operations.
Hamas, designated as a terrorist organization by several countries including the United States, has been at the forefront of the recent violence in the Middle East. The militant group controls the Gaza Strip and has been launching rockets into Israeli territory, prompting retaliatory airstrikes from Israel.
The call for US intervention comes as the humanitarian situation in Gaza continues to deteriorate. Over 200 Palestinians, including many civilians, have been killed since the start of the violence, and infrastructure in the region has been heavily damaged. The United Nations has warned of a potential humanitarian catastrophe if the conflict persists.
Hamas’ plea for US involvement acknowledges the historically close relationship between the United States and Israel. As a key ally of Israel, the United States has traditionally supported its actions and policies in the region. However, in recent years, there has been growing criticism of Israel’s treatment of Palestinians and its policies in the occupied territories. This has led to increased pressure on the US government to take a more impartial approach to the conflict.
The Biden administration has expressed concern over the escalating violence and has called for a de-escalation of the conflict. President Biden has been in contact with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, urging him to pursue a peaceful resolution. However, Hamas believes that mere words are not enough and that the United States must exert its influence to achieve a meaningful ceasefire.
The Hamas official’s comments also highlight the urgency of the situation. With the Muslim holy month of Ramadan underway, the call for a ceasefire before this important religious period underscores the need to prevent further bloodshed and suffering. Ramadan is a time of fasting, reflection, and communal prayer for Muslims around the world, and a ceasefire would allow Palestinians in Gaza to observe this holy month without fear and violence.
Hamas’ appeal to the United States is a significant move in the ongoing conflict. It reveals a desire for a shift in the dynamics of the international response and a recognition of the United States’ influence over Israel. Whether the United States will heed this call and take a more proactive role in pressuring Israel remains to be seen.
In the meantime, the violence in Gaza continues to escalate, with no clear end in sight. The international community must intensify its efforts to broker a ceasefire and address the underlying issues contributing to the conflict. The suffering of innocent civilians, on both sides, cannot be ignored any longer. It is imperative that all parties strive for a peaceful resolution that respects the rights and aspirations of both Israelis and Palestinians.
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