In an unprecedented move, Hamas directly criticized President Joe Biden on Tuesday, expressing "great astonishment and disapproval" over his comments suggesting that the militant group is "backing away" from a cease-fire deal in the Gaza Strip. This public rebuke demonstrated Hamas' perception of "blind bias" towards Israel and cast doubt on the prospects of a near-term agreement, which the Biden administration had hoped to conclude in the coming days.

The verbal clash between Hamas and President Biden came as tensions continued to escalate in the region. The Israeli military recovered the bodies of six more hostages from southern Gaza, while the enclave's civil defense force reported that at least 12 people were killed in a strike on a school in Gaza City. Israel accused Hamas militants of using the school as a "command and control center."

In an effort to mediate and pressure all sides towards a resolution, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken embarked on a diplomatic mission, shuttling between Israel, Egypt, and Qatar on Tuesday. The United States proposed a six-week cease-fire, the release of Israeli hostages and Palestinian detainees, and the withdrawal of Israeli forces from major population centers in Gaza. This framework, presented as a compromise that incorporates both Israeli and Hamas interests, was shared with the parties involved last week.

However, discrepancies among key negotiators have impeded progress. Israeli, Qatari, and Egyptian officials privately expressed surprise and confusion when Blinken announced that Israel had accepted the proposal. Critical components of the deal, such as the release of Palestinian prisoners, the vetting process for Palestinians returning to their homes in northern Gaza, and the status of Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) in certain territories, remain unresolved.

One of the major sticking points is the Philadelphi Corridor, a narrow buffer zone along Gaza's border with Egypt, where weapons smuggling is a concern. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu insisted on maintaining a lasting military presence in the area, while Hamas demands a complete withdrawal. U.S. negotiators are searching for a middle ground that allows for a reduced presence of Israeli soldiers until a long-term Arab security force can be established.

Publicly, Netanyahu did not deny agreeing with the U.S. proposal but emphasized his unwavering stance on the Philadelphi Corridor. Netanyahu's spokesman, David Mencer, stated that negotiations prioritize the vital security interests of Israel. However, some suspect that the contentious issue is being leveraged to stall a deal, particularly due to opposition from Netanyahu's right-wing cabinet.

Despite the ongoing deadlock, there is still hope for progress. Retired Maj. Gen. Israel Ziv, former head of the IDF's operations division, indicated that an understanding on the principles of the deal could be reached by the weekend, with potential further negotiations. High-ranking Israeli military figures, such as IDF Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi, have expressed flexibility on security concerns, indicating a willingness to make concessions for a final agreement.

As the row between Hamas and the United States continues, the prospects for a comprehensive cease-fire deal in the Gaza Strip remain uncertain. The clashes, casualties, and diplomatic impasses underscore the urgency for a resolution to prevent further escalation of violence and restore peace to the region.