Conflict Erupts in the Middle East - United States pushes for Israel's acceptance of Gaza proposal
America keeps pressuring Israel because of a peace plan for the ongoing Gaza conflict. John Kirby from the National Security Council's communication team told ABC News, "We anticipate Israel would say yes if Hamas agrees to the proposal communicated to them as an Israeli proposal."
US Secretary of State Blinken also indirectly blamed Israel. In a conversation with Israel's Defense Minister Joav Galant, Blinken ensured Israel's readiness to reach an agreement, as affirmed by Blinken's spokesperson.
Unusually, Biden revealed specifics of a Gaza arrangement Israel had already agreed to. Yet, Israeli PM Netanyahu clarified that Israel remains firm on its three conditions - demolishing Islamist Hamas and rescuing all hostages.
Debate over a Peace Deal
Israeli politicians were glad that Netanyahu didn't reject or deny Biden's speech, which seemingly revealed an Israeli plan previously proposed to Hamas. "Axios" claimed that the White House had tipped off Netanyahu's office about the imminent disclosure of the offer during Biden's speech.
Netanyahu's coalition partners threatened disintegration of their alliance if Israel affirmatively responded to the deal. Opposing leader Yair Lapid reminded on platform X that withdrawing Israel's acceptance would constitute a "death sentence" for prisoners and a betrayal of trust with Americans and mediators. As this dispute ensued, Israel's War Cabinet convened to explore Biden's publicly disclosed proposal.
Israel still has opportunity to recommence combat
Advisors for Netanyahu communicated to "Axios" that Israel retains the power to resume hostilities whenever Hamas violates its pledges within the three-staged agreement. Kirby reiterated that if a deal happens, the onset of the first phase has been realized, entailing some hostages released, tranquility, increased humanitarian support, and likely up to 600 trucks, followed by discussions about the second phase.
In the next phase, permanent ending of fighting and remaining hostages' release is proposed. Should Israel feel that Hamas utilizes the latter talks merely to gain time, the country may choose to restart combat.
Presently, Hamas must decide whether to accept the offer, according to U.S. Secretary of State Blinken during his conversation with Israeli Defense Minister Galant, who underscored for his spokesperson that the plan safeguards Israel's long-term peace interests. A third phase details Gaza Reconstruction, most likely following the final agreement.
Meanwhile, Syrian media cited several deaths and damage in a presumed Israeli attack in the northwestern region of the nation. Syrian 'Observatory for Human Rights' asserted that rockets bombed a pro-Iranian force base outside Aleppo, leading to at least twelve killings. Initial independent inspection couldn't confirm this. Israel remained silent.
Israel's Air Force has been targeting targets in neighboring Syria with the goal of denying Iran and its allies further military dominance in the country. Iran is Syria's main ally. Israel's attacks in Gaza, typically unacknowledged by Israel, have multiplied since their conflict over eight months ago.
While America endeavors to reopen the Rafah border crossing in southern Gaza for humanitarian relief, American, Egyptian, and Israeli diplomats met in Cairo to discuss. However, the "Wall Street Journal" revealed meager progress at this point, with continued discussions likely.
Egypt persists in insisting that the crossing will only be reopened once Israeli soldiers have fully withdrawn. Expected future deliberations include potential openings for Rafah.
Remarkably, Israeli Defense Minister Galant told "Times of Israel" during a troop outing that they are working on preparing alternate governance in the Gaza Strip beyond Hamas. To achieve this, they plan to encircle specific areas within Gaza and bring in "other forces" to manage them in the future. Galant stated that the fight will conclude only when Hamas is destroyed.
Galant had recently admitted to lacking a plan for Israel's administration in Gaza after the war. For the Hamas to be permanently removed, Palestinian representatives must seize control, accompanied by global figures who will spearhead a government alternative to Hamas rule.
