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Biden Urges Hamas to Accept Gaza Ceasefire Deal Ahead of Ramadan

Kalyani Jha
06 Mar, 2024

In the latest diplomatic efforts to broker a ceasefire deal in the Gaza Strip, US President Joe Biden has emphasized the importance of Hamas's cooperation. Addressing reporters on Tuesday, Biden underscored that the fate of the proposed ceasefire hinges on Hamas's response, as delegations engage in discussions for a resolution to the ongoing conflict.

Negotiators from Hamas, Qatar, and Egypt have convened in Cairo for a third consecutive day of talks, aiming to secure a 40-day ceasefire ahead of the Muslim fasting month of Ramadan. The proposed deal involves the release of Israeli hostages held by Palestinian militants since the October attack that sparked the conflict. Additionally, increased aid to Gaza is on the table to address the humanitarian crisis, including the treatment of malnourished children in hospitals.

However, Hamas has reiterated its demands, emphasizing the cessation of the Israeli military offensive, the withdrawal of Israeli forces, and the return of displaced Gazans to their homes. Hamas official Osama Hamdan affirmed that any prisoner exchange must occur after a ceasefire, underscoring the group's commitment to a comprehensive resolution of the conflict.

On the Israeli side, government spokesman Avi Hyman emphasized the need for Hamas to abandon its "delusional positions" and engage constructively in the negotiations. Israel insists on a temporary pause in hostilities to facilitate the safe return of hostages and the delivery of humanitarian aid, emphasizing its stance that the conflict cannot end until Hamas is dismantled.

With Ramadan approaching, there is mounting pressure to reach a resolution before the heightened tensions associated with the holy month exacerbate the situation. Historically, Palestinian-Israeli violence has intensified during Ramadan, underscoring the urgency for a ceasefire agreement.

Hamas has accused the United States of attempting to shift blame onto the group if the talks fail. Senior Hamas official Bassem Naim confirmed that Hamas has presented its own draft deal and is awaiting a response from Israel. However, Hamas's reluctance to provide a list of hostages still alive has hindered progress, with logistical challenges cited due to the dispersed nature of hostages across the conflict zone.

The humanitarian situation in Gaza continues to deteriorate, with aid supplies dwindling and famine looming. Emaciated children are overwhelming clinics, reflecting the dire need for immediate assistance. Despite limited efforts to airdrop meals into northern Gaza, aid agencies stress the inadequacy of current measures compared to the scale of the crisis.

In response, Biden reaffirmed the United States' commitment to delivering aid to Gaza, vowing to exhaust all efforts to alleviate the suffering of those in need. However, challenges persist, including access and security issues hindering aid distribution.

As negotiations continue, the international community remains hopeful for a breakthrough in the Gaza ceasefire talks, emphasizing the urgent need for humanitarian relief and a durable resolution to the longstanding conflict.