### Biden Calls for Cease-Fire After Hamas Leader's Death, Pressures Netanyahu

In a pivot towards peace, President Joe Biden has labeled the death of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar as "a moment of justice" and urged Israel to seize this opportunity to end the ongoing conflict in Gaza. Currently in Berlin, Biden emphasized the potential for a broader cessation of hostilities, including a chance to address tensions with Iran, during meetings with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and other European dignitaries.

Biden's administration is conducting a full-court press to bring Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to the negotiation table. Vice President Kamala Harris, among others, is actively involved in this public campaign, pressing Israel to agree to a cease-fire. During a phone call on Thursday, Biden personally relayed to Netanyahu the importance of taking advantage of Sinwar's death for peace. To further facilitate discussions, Secretary of State Antony Blinken will be visiting the region in the following days.

“Now is the time to move on,” Biden stated upon his arrival in Berlin on Thursday night, expressing a renewed hope for a cease-fire. He stressed the urgency of ending the war and bringing hostages home, signalling the administration's readiness to support such efforts.

The national security team, including advisor Jake Sullivan, views Sinwar’s death as a potential turning point for a cease-fire agreement. However, Netanyahu's public statements have cast doubt on his willingness to engage in peace talks. Speaking on Thursday, Netanyahu declared, “To the Hamas terrorists I say: Your leaders are fleeing and they will be eliminated,” indicating that the conflict might still continue.

Concerns also loom regarding the future leadership within Hamas. A U.N. official pointed out the uncertainty surrounding who will lead Hamas and if a successor would be open to negotiations. There are speculations that Mohammed Sinwar, Yahya’s brother rumored to be a hardliner, might take over, complicating the prospects for peace.

The U.N. official also highlighted recent escalations in both Lebanon and Gaza, suggesting that Netanyahu’s interest in a cease-fire has been minimal over the past year, thereby making the cease-fire a challenging goal to achieve amidst the current climate.