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NEW DELHI: US President Joe Biden has hinted at the possibility of a truce in Gaza, suggesting that Israel might pause offensive during the upcoming Muslim holy month of Ramadan if an agreement is reached to release hostages held by Hamas. However, both Israel and Hamas downplayed the likelihood of an imminent breakthrough on Tuesday.
Biden’s comments were made on the eve of the Michigan primary, where he faces pressure from the state’s large Arab American population over his strong support for Israel. He mentioned being briefed on the talks’ status by his national security adviser, Jake Sullivan, emphasizing his optimism for a deal rather than claiming all remaining obstacles had been overcome.
Following Hamas’ attack on southern Israel on October 7, Israel’s extensive campaign in Gaza has resulted in numerous casualties, significant destruction, and mass displacement. Concerns about an impending famine have been raised by the United Nations.
Global attention has turned to the potential invasion of Rafah, heightening alarm over the fate of civilians trapped in the area. Recent talks to halt the fighting have gained momentum, with negotiators from the United States, Egypt, and Qatar working towards a cease-fire that includes the release of hostages, a temporary cessation of hostilities, and increased aid deliveries to Gaza.
The start of Ramadan, expected around March 10, is viewed as an informal deadline for a deal. Biden said on NBC’s “Late Night With Seth Meyers”, “Ramadan’s coming up, and there has been an agreement by the Israelis that they would not engage in activities during Ramadan as well, in order to give us time to get all the hostages out.”
While expressing hope for a cease-fire deal to take effect by next week, Biden did not call for an end to the war, which was triggered by Hamas militants. Israeli officials viewed Biden’s comments as surprising and not coordinated with the country’s leadership as a Hamas official downplayed progress, saying the group would not soften its demands.
Negotiations involve the release of hostages, a temporary halt in fighting and increased aid deliveries. The proposed deal includes the release of up to 40 women and older hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners, with a six-week pause in fighting facilitating aid deliveries to Gaza.
Biden left open the possibility of an eventual Israeli ground offensive in Rafah. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu considers a ground operation in Rafah an inevitable component of the strategy to crush Hamas.
The offensive in Gaza, according to health authorities in Hamas-run Gaza, has resulted in over 29,700 casualties, with the first cease-fire in late November leading to the release of hostages. Approximately 130 hostages remain in Gaza, with Israel asserting that about a quarter of them are deceased.
(With AP inputs)
Biden’s comments were made on the eve of the Michigan primary, where he faces pressure from the state’s large Arab American population over his strong support for Israel. He mentioned being briefed on the talks’ status by his national security adviser, Jake Sullivan, emphasizing his optimism for a deal rather than claiming all remaining obstacles had been overcome.
Following Hamas’ attack on southern Israel on October 7, Israel’s extensive campaign in Gaza has resulted in numerous casualties, significant destruction, and mass displacement. Concerns about an impending famine have been raised by the United Nations.
Global attention has turned to the potential invasion of Rafah, heightening alarm over the fate of civilians trapped in the area. Recent talks to halt the fighting have gained momentum, with negotiators from the United States, Egypt, and Qatar working towards a cease-fire that includes the release of hostages, a temporary cessation of hostilities, and increased aid deliveries to Gaza.
The start of Ramadan, expected around March 10, is viewed as an informal deadline for a deal. Biden said on NBC’s “Late Night With Seth Meyers”, “Ramadan’s coming up, and there has been an agreement by the Israelis that they would not engage in activities during Ramadan as well, in order to give us time to get all the hostages out.”
While expressing hope for a cease-fire deal to take effect by next week, Biden did not call for an end to the war, which was triggered by Hamas militants. Israeli officials viewed Biden’s comments as surprising and not coordinated with the country’s leadership as a Hamas official downplayed progress, saying the group would not soften its demands.
Negotiations involve the release of hostages, a temporary halt in fighting and increased aid deliveries. The proposed deal includes the release of up to 40 women and older hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners, with a six-week pause in fighting facilitating aid deliveries to Gaza.
Biden left open the possibility of an eventual Israeli ground offensive in Rafah. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu considers a ground operation in Rafah an inevitable component of the strategy to crush Hamas.
The offensive in Gaza, according to health authorities in Hamas-run Gaza, has resulted in over 29,700 casualties, with the first cease-fire in late November leading to the release of hostages. Approximately 130 hostages remain in Gaza, with Israel asserting that about a quarter of them are deceased.
(With AP inputs)
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