WASHINGTON — President Joe Biden expressed optimism on Sunday about the potential for a ceasefire agreement in the Gaza Strip, amidst ongoing hostilities and a challenging diplomatic landscape. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken has also intensified efforts by arriving in Israel to advocate for a ceasefire and the release of hostages.
According to Philippines News Agency, discussions concerning a ceasefire are active and ongoing. “We’re not giving up. It’s still possible,” Biden stated during a press briefing. This sentiment comes as diplomatic efforts continue to unfold, with Blinken making his ninth visit to the region since the conflict between Israel and Hamas escalated last October.
The conflict reignited following a cross-border attack by Hamas on October 7, which resulted in significant casualties and hostages. The ensuing months have seen extensive military engagements, with Israel conducting operations in Gaza that have led to widespread destruction and humanitarian distress among the enclave’s 2.3 million inhabitants.
Hamas has insisted that any ceasefire agreement must include adherence to terms agreed upon in prior negotiations. These discussions have included international mediators from Egypt, Qatar, and the U.S., focusing on control of strategic locations like the Philadelphi Corridor and the Rafah crossing. Biden referenced a three-phase proposal from May aimed at ending the hostilities, which would involve a ceasefire, a hostage-prisoner exchange, and the subsequent reconstruction of Gaza.
Efforts to mediate the conflict saw the latest round of talks in Doha ending on Friday without a resolution. However, the U.S. has introduced a new proposal that aims to consolidate previous agreements and address unresolved issues to facilitate a rapid implementation of a potential deal.