President Joe Biden has once again engaged in talks with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in an effort to push for a cease-fire in the ongoing conflict in Gaza. The White House revealed that Biden reiterated his opposition to Israel’s plans to invade Gaza’s southern city of Rafah, citing humanitarian concerns for the over 1 million Palestinians seeking shelter there.
The pressure on both Israel and Hamas to reach a deal has intensified, with the US expressing its disapproval of the invasion and emphasizing the need for sustained delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza. Secretary of State Antony Blinken is set to visit Israel as part of efforts to facilitate negotiations between the two parties.
Despite the call for a cease-fire, Hamas and Israel have been urged by Qatar to show more commitment and seriousness in their negotiations. Qatar, a key intermediary in previous talks, has expressed disappointment with both sides for prioritizing political interests over the welfare of civilians.
As discussions continue, an Israeli delegation is expected to meet with Egyptian officials to discuss proposals for a prolonged cease-fire in Gaza. The second phase of the deal would involve the release of civilian hostages and the launch of a reconstruction process.
The mounting pressure for a cease-fire is aimed at preventing an Israeli attack on Rafah, which has raised global alarm. Aid groups have warned that an invasion of the city would worsen the already dire humanitarian situation in Gaza, where hunger is widespread.
As the conflict persists, world leaders are calling for a swift resolution to prevent further loss of life and suffering in the region. The international community is closely monitoring the situation, hoping for a peaceful resolution to the long-standing conflict in Gaza.