By The Media Line Staff

Mediators are urging Israel and Hamas to finalize a cease-fire and hostage release deal proposed by US President Joe Biden, which they believe would provide immediate relief to Gaza residents and the hostages’ families. The deal includes a six-week cease-fire, partial Israeli military withdrawal, and the release of some hostages, with further negotiations to establish a permanent end to hostilities.

President Biden emphasized that the proposal aims to create a better future for Gaza without Hamas in power. However, Israel has stated there will be no permanent cease-fire until Hamas’ military and governing capabilities are dismantled. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office called any suggestion of a cease-fire before this goal a “nonstarter.” Netanyahu plans to address both houses of Congress, stating he will share “the truth about our righteous war against those who seek our destruction.”

Hamas has shown a willingness to engage with the proposal but insists on a full troop withdrawal and cease-fire before any agreement. The US, Egypt, and Qatar have been mediating for months, but a deal remains elusive. The Biden Administration acknowledges that the interpretation of the deal’s terms and future enforcement will be critical, with significant influence from Egypt and Qatar.

Benny Gantz, a centrist ex-general in Netanyahu’s war cabinet, expressed support for President Biden’s efforts and called for the war cabinet to decide the next steps, signaling possible cooperation despite internal tensions. Opposition Leader Yair Lapid urged Netanyahu to accept the deal, assuring that his party would support it even if coalition members rebelled. “The government of Israel cannot ignore President Biden’s consequential speech. There is a deal on the table and it should be made,” Lapid said.

The Israel-Hamas war began on the morning of October 7 with a mass terrorist infiltration across southern Israel, in which around 1,200 Israelis and foreign nationals were killed and more than 250 were taken hostage. Israel’s counteroffensive to destroy Hamas’ military capabilities and free the hostages has continued for almost eight months and led to massive destruction in the strip and, according to the Hamas-run government, more than 36,000 Palestinians deaths, as well as the deaths of more than 290 Israeli soldiers.