Israel-Gaza War
Hamas Leader Demands Full End to Conflict, Complicating Biden's Plan
This demand comes as the Biden administration intensifies its diplomatic efforts to broker a truce.
CAIRO/JERUSALEM, June 5, 2024 — In a significant development that could derail U.S. President Joe Biden's proposed ceasefire plan, Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh has called for a permanent end to the conflict in Gaza and a complete Israeli withdrawal. This demand comes as the Biden administration intensifies its diplomatic efforts to broker a truce between Israel and Hamas, aiming to halt the ongoing violence that has claimed tens of thousands of lives.
Haniyeh's statement, delivered on Wednesday, underscores Hamas's insistence on a comprehensive resolution to the conflict, which includes the cessation of Israeli military operations and the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza. "The movement and factions of the resistance will deal seriously and positively with any agreement that is based on a comprehensive ending of the aggression and the complete withdrawal and prisoners swap," Haniyeh declared.
The Biden administration's three-phase ceasefire plan, announced last week, envisions an initial six-week ceasefire, the release of hostages, and the withdrawal of Israeli forces from densely populated areas of Gaza. This would be followed by negotiations aimed at establishing a permanent ceasefire and the eventual reconstruction of Gaza. However, Haniyeh's demand for a full and immediate end to the conflict adds a layer of complexity to the already fragile negotiations.
The U.S. has been actively engaging with regional mediators, including Qatar and Egypt, to facilitate the ceasefire. CIA Director William Burns met with senior officials from these countries in Doha to discuss the proposal. Despite these efforts, the response from Hamas has been cautious, with the group emphasizing the need for a clear commitment from Israel to a permanent truce.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government has shown lukewarm support for the ceasefire plan. Netanyahu has reiterated that Israel will not halt its military operations until Hamas is completely dismantled. "The outline allows Israel to realize all of the objectives: to destroy Hamas militarily and its governing capabilities, to bring home our hostages, and ensure that Gaza can never form a threat to us again," said Israeli government spokesman David Mencer.
The internal political dynamics in Israel further complicate the situation. Netanyahu faces significant pressure from his far-right coalition partners, who have threatened to dissolve the government if he agrees to a ceasefire that leaves Hamas in place. This political instability adds to the challenges of reaching a consensus on the ceasefire plan.
The international community has been closely monitoring the developments. The Group of Seven (G7) leaders have endorsed Biden's plan, urging Hamas to accept the proposal and calling on countries with influence over Hamas to facilitate the agreement. However, the path to a lasting peace remains fraught with obstacles.
The conflict, which began with a Hamas attack on Israeli territory on October 7, 2023, has resulted in significant casualties on both sides. According to Israeli records, over 1,200 people were killed, and more than 250 were taken as hostages. In Gaza, health officials report that more than 36,000 Palestinians have been killed due to Israeli air and artillery strikes.
The humanitarian situation in Gaza is dire, with widespread hunger, disease outbreaks, and massive displacement of the population. The Biden administration has emphasized the need for humanitarian aid to flow into Gaza, with plans to allow 600 trucks of aid daily during the initial ceasefire phase.
Despite the challenges, the Biden administration remains cautiously optimistic. White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan has urged world leaders to rally behind the proposal and press Hamas to come to the negotiating table. "We are waiting for a response from Hamas," Sullivan said, highlighting the urgency of the situation.
As the conflict continues, the stakes are high for all parties involved. The Biden administration's ability to broker a ceasefire could have significant implications for U.S. foreign policy and the broader Middle East peace process. However, the divergent demands of Hamas and the Israeli government, coupled with internal political pressures, make the path to peace a complex and uncertain journey.