President Joe Biden has expressed his desire to broker a ceasefire in the conflict between Israel and Hamas by next Monday. Talks are underway in Qatar, mediated by Egypt, Qatar, and the United States, aimed at easing tensions and facilitating aid to Gaza, where millions are facing food shortages.
The potential truce could lead to the release of Palestinian detainees in exchange for hostages held by Hamas. There is mounting pressure on Israel to agree to a ceasefire to prevent an Israeli attack on Rafah, a city in southern Gaza.
Biden's push for a ceasefire is seen as an attempt to appease Muslim voters, particularly in Michigan, where dissatisfaction with his pro-Israel stance is high. Hamas has welcomed mediation efforts, accusing Israel of prolonging the conflict and worsening conditions in Gaza.
However, the Israeli government, led by Prime Minister Netanyahu, insists that the conflict will persist until Hamas is eliminated. Despite international calls to abandon plans to invade Rafah, Israel remains steadfast in its approach.
The ongoing violence has resulted in significant casualties, with thousands of Palestinians killed and hundreds of detainees held. Israel has already conducted airstrikes in Rafah and threatens further action if hostages are not released.
The Israeli parliament has pledged full support to Netanyahu's government, signaling a continuation of the conflict. Meanwhile, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) warns against Israel's actions, citing concerns about Palestinian displacement and settlement expansion.
Secretary of State Antony Blinken has condemned any new settlements, emphasizing their illegality under international law. Despite diplomatic efforts, the prospects of a ceasefire remain uncertain, with Israel poised to escalate its offensive in the coming days.
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