White House Urges Cease-Fire as Smoke Plume Rises from Gaza Explosion

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ICARO Media Group
Politics
28/04/2024 20h13

In the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, the White House has once again called for a cease-fire and the release of Israeli hostages. U.S. President Joe Biden held a phone conversation with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to reinforce his "clear position" on the matter.

Despite concerns from the international community, Israel is reportedly planning to invade Gaza's southernmost city of Rafah, where over 1 million Palestinians are seeking shelter. The United States opposes this invasion on humanitarian grounds, straining relations between the two allies.

To address the worsening situation, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken is set to return to the Middle East on Monday. Biden emphasized the importance of sustaining and enhancing the delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza. However, this statement was less forceful than their previous call, where Biden warned that future U.S. support for Israel hinges on swift actions to protect civilians and aid workers.

Meanwhile, Qatar, a key intermediary in the conflict, has expressed frustration with the lack of commitment and seriousness from both Israel and Hamas in the negotiations. Although Qatar had played a vital role in brokering a brief halt to the fighting in November, the country recently announced that it was reevaluating its involvement.

In an effort to find a resolution, an Israeli delegation is expected to visit Egypt in the coming days to discuss new proposals in the negotiations. Hamas also announced that they will send a delegation to Cairo. Reports suggest that Israel may be open to a permanent cease-fire in Gaza as part of the second phase of a deal, which would involve the release of civilian and sick hostages, as well as negotiations for the release of soldiers and the reconstruction of Gaza.

Earlier negotiations focused on a six-week cease-fire proposal and the release of 40 civilian and sick hostages in exchange for the freedom of Palestinian prisoners held by Israel. To exert pressure, U.S. President Biden and 17 other world leaders have penned a letter urging Hamas to release their citizens immediately. In response, Hamas has released new videos of three hostages.

Notably, there have been growing concerns of an Israeli attack on Rafah, the city on the border with Egypt, where a significant portion of Gaza's population seeks shelter. Israel has mobilized numerous tanks and armored vehicles, raising global alarm. However, the White House has stated that Israel has assured them they will not enter Rafah until they have the opportunity to share their concerns.

The Israeli troop buildup in the region may serve as a pressure tactic in the negotiations. Israel views Rafah as Hamas' last major stronghold and is determined to dismantle the group's military and governing capabilities.

As the situation remains tense, the international community anxiously awaits progress towards a cease-fire and a resolution to the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

The views expressed in this article do not reflect the opinion of ICARO, or any of its affiliates.

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