President Biden's latest diplomatic effort with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu centers on securing freedom for hostages held by Hamas.
According to Fox News, a potential breakthrough in hostage negotiations emerged following Biden's call with Netanyahu on Sunday, as Hamas indicated progress toward a comprehensive cease-fire agreement.
The proposed deal, structured in three distinct phases, aims to secure the release of approximately 34 humanitarian hostages in its initial stage. This development comes after months of diplomatic efforts involving multiple international mediators, including the United States, Egypt, and Qatar.
The first phase of the agreement would span 42 days, incorporating Israeli military withdrawals from specific areas and increased humanitarian aid distribution. Saudi media outlet Al-Arabiya detailed how this phase would facilitate the return of displaced residents to their homes while establishing preliminary cease-fire conditions.
Subsequent stages of the plan address broader objectives, with the second phase commencing on day 16 of the cease-fire. This period would focus on negotiations for the release of young men and soldiers, alongside the complete withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza.
The final stage encompasses long-term solutions, including establishing alternative governance in Gaza and initiating reconstruction efforts. Hamas officials released a statement expressing optimism about the negotiations: "We renew the alliance with our patient people. We confirm that the release of our prisoners is close."
Netanyahu's position remains firm, limiting his commitment to the initial phase that includes a week-long pause in military operations in exchange for partial hostage release. The Israeli leader maintains his stance on achieving "total victory" over Hamas before considering a complete end to military operations.
Current intelligence suggests that of the 96 hostages still in captivity since the October 7, 2023 attacks, only 50 are believed to be alive. This group includes three American citizens, though details about when deceased hostages might be returned remain unclear.
Hamas continues to insist on a complete Israeli military withdrawal and a permanent end to hostilities as conditions for hostage release. These demands contrast sharply with Netanyahu's military objectives, creating a significant barrier to negotiations.
The urgency of the situation has intensified with negotiators setting a midnight deadline for Hamas to respond to what they term the "final" draft of the hostage-ceasefire agreement, according to Israel's Channel 12.
During their Sunday conversation, Biden emphasized to Netanyahu the immediate necessity for both a cease-fire and hostage release, coupled with increased humanitarian assistance. The discussion also touched on regional developments, including changes in Lebanon and Syria, and Iran's diminishing influence.
The White House reported that Netanyahu expressed gratitude for American support of Israel's security and national defense during the call, highlighting the continued importance of U.S.-Israeli relations in resolving the conflict.
The proposed three-stage peace plan represents the most comprehensive attempt yet to resolve the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas. This initiative, emerging from extensive negotiations in Qatar and culminating in Biden's direct intervention with Netanyahu, aims to secure the release of remaining hostages while establishing a framework for lasting peace in Gaza. As negotiators await Hamas's response to the final draft agreement, the international community watches closely to see if this diplomatic effort will succeed where previous attempts have failed.
