Biden calls for immediate end to Israel-Gaza war, no Gaza occupation

U.S. President Joe Biden emphasized on Thursday the urgency of ending the Israel-Gaza conflict immediately, insisting that Israel should not occupy Gaza post-war. According to Reuters, Biden informed reporters that both Israel and Hamas had agreed upon a ceasefire framework, but there were still unresolved issues.

“The framework is now agreed upon by both Israel and Hamas. Therefore, I have dispatched my team to the region to finalize the details,” Biden stated during a press conference.

In late May, Biden outlined a phased proposal aimed at achieving a ceasefire, releasing hostages and Palestinian prisoners held by Israel, facilitating Israel’s withdrawal from Gaza, and reconstructing the enclave.

CIA Director Bill Burns and U.S. Middle East envoy Brett McGurk engaged in discussions with regional counterparts in the Middle East this week to advance the ceasefire negotiations. Biden acknowledged the complexities involved, noting, “There are still gaps to bridge. However, progress is being made, and the trend is positive. I am committed to finalizing this deal and bringing an end to this war, which must end now.”

Hamas, the Palestinian Islamist group, has reportedly accepted a key component of the U.S. plan, retracting its demand for Israel to commit to a permanent ceasefire before agreeing to the terms. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, meanwhile, has insisted that any ceasefire agreement must not prevent Israel from resuming military operations until its war objectives are achieved. At the onset of the conflict, Netanyahu vowed to dismantle Hamas.

On Wednesday, Netanyahu’s office affirmed his commitment to securing a ceasefire in Gaza, provided that Israel’s security concerns are respected. Biden reiterated on Thursday that Israel should not occupy Gaza, also criticizing Israel’s war cabinet, stating, “Israel has at times been less than cooperative.”

Expressing disappointment with some unsuccessful initiatives in Gaza, Biden cited the winding down of the U.S. military’s humanitarian operations off Gaza’s coast as an example. “I had hoped for greater success,” he admitted.

Internationally, the Biden administration has faced criticism for its perceived support of Israel amid mounting civilian casualties. The United States, a key ally of Israel, has witnessed widespread protests opposing the war and U.S. policy towards Israel.

Several U.S. administration officials have resigned, citing objections to Biden’s handling of the Gaza situation. Rights advocates have also observed an increase in incidents of antisemitism and Islamophobia in the U.S. during the conflict, according to Reuters.

The latest outbreak of violence in the long-standing Israeli-Palestinian conflict began on October 7th, when Hamas-led fighters from Gaza launched attacks on southern Israel, resulting in casualties and hostages, as reported by Israeli sources.

According to Gaza’s health ministry, the ongoing Israeli assault has resulted in over 38,000 Palestinian fatalities, displaced nearly the entire population of 2.3 million, exacerbated hunger crises, and prompted allegations of genocide, which Israel denies.

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