By Elijah J. Magnier
For the first time in history, a US president, Joe Biden, stands before the world offering details of an Israeli proposal for a ceasefire to end the nearly eight-month devastating war in Gaza, beginning with the declaration: “It is time to end this war.” Biden’s address was multifaceted. Directed not only domestically but also to the Israeli population, he reaffirmed America’s unwavering commitment to supporting Israel and its security. Simultaneously, he subtly urged the Israeli government to accept the proposal, leaving room for the “devil in the details” of the Israeli roadmap. However, the Israeli Prime Minister’s office quickly contradicted Biden’s announcement, asserting that “Israel won’t stop the war without achieving its objectives.” This contradiction underscores the US conviction that the war has exhausted all options and failed to deliver the “total victory” Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu promised at the outset of the conflict.
The negotiations with Hamas, an entity both Biden and Netanyahu vowed to destroy, indicate Hamas’s significant position in this conflict. Biden’s announcement came on Friday night, Shabbat for Jews, precluding an immediate response from far-right Israeli officials opposed to any deal.
Despite its initial support, the US now recognises that Israel has failed to defeat Hamas or free all hostages and prisoners. In response to Biden’s announcement, Hamas welcomed the proposal. Still, it reiterated its conditions for any deal:
- A permanent ceasefire
- Total Israeli withdrawal from Gaza
- Reconstruction of the territory
Hamas’s leverage remains the prisoners and the resilience of Palestinian resistance.
Biden’s announcement, amidst growing support following Republican candidate Donald Trump’s condemnation, bolsters his re-election chances. Facing potential political fallout and accountability for the war’s failures and corruption charges, Netanyahu must navigate this precarious situation. Accepting the roadmap could fracture his coalition, while rejection risks further alienating Western allies and perpetuating accusations of war crimes and genocide.
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