US, Egypt, and Qatar urge Israel and Hamas to finalize Biden’s truce plan

Mediators from Qatar, Egypt, and the United States have urged Israel and Hamas to finalize a truce agreement outlined by U.S. President Joe Biden, even as Israeli forces continue to bombard Rafah in southern Gaza.

Since Biden’s announcement of a new roadmap towards a full ceasefire, fighting has intensified in the Gaza Strip. However, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has reaffirmed that Israel will continue its military operations until all its objectives are met. He stated on Saturday that Israel’s conditions for ending the war remain unchanged: the dismantling of Hamas’s military and governing capabilities, the release of all hostages, and ensuring that Gaza no longer poses a threat to Israel.

Hamas responded positively to the proposal presented by Biden on Friday.

In a joint statement, Qatar, the United States, and Egypt called on both Hamas and Israel to finalize an agreement based on the principles Biden outlined. The U.S. President’s plan includes a six-week initial phase featuring a full ceasefire, withdrawal of Israeli forces from populated areas in Gaza, and the release of some hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners. This would be followed by negotiations for a lasting ceasefire and a third phase focused on Gaza’s reconstruction.

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken has been actively pressing for the deal, speaking with foreign ministers from Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Qatar, Egypt, and the UAE.

U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed hope that this development could lead to a lasting peace agreement. However, Netanyahu insisted that the transition from one phase to the next in the proposal is conditional and must align with Israel’s objectives.

Israeli opposition leader Yair Lapid has urged Netanyahu to accept Biden’s proposal, promising support even if far-right coalition partners threaten to leave the government. Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir, leaders of two far-right parties, have stated they would withdraw from the government if it endorses the truce.

In Gaza, the Israeli offensive continues, with tanks and troops operating in Rafah. The U.N. has described the living conditions for Palestinians as “horrific and apocalyptic” due to severe hunger and displacement.

The war began following Hamas’s unprecedented attack on October 7, which resulted in the deaths of 1,189 Israelis and the abduction of 252 hostages. In response, Israel’s offensive has killed at least 36,379 people in Gaza, predominantly civilians, according to the Hamas-run health ministry.

Egypt is set to host a meeting with Israeli and U.S. officials to discuss reopening the Rafah crossing, a crucial aid entry point.

Meanwhile, in northern Gaza, Israeli troops have ordered residents of Beit Hanun to evacuate ahead of an expected assault. Israel has also intensified security operations in the occupied West Bank, where a 15-year-old boy was killed by Israeli forces on Saturday near Jericho. According to Palestinian authorities, at least 520 Palestinians have been killed in the West Bank since October 7, while 14 Israelis have died, according to an AFP tally.