Israel has signaled readiness to accept a cease-fire and prisoner release deal put forth by US President Joe Biden, with National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan urging Hamas to come to the table. Despite some resistance from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government, Sullivan emphasized the importance of reaching a deal for the benefit of all parties involved.
The proposed plan, which Biden described as an Israeli initiative, aims to end the conflict, release Israeli prisoners in Gaza, and facilitate the reconstruction of the devastated Palestinian territory without Hamas in power. State Department spokesman Matthew Miller underscored the urgency of seizing this opportunity for peace, highlighting the toll the ongoing conflict has taken on both Gaza and Israel.
While Israel has expressed determination to achieve all its goals, including the removal of Hamas, the White House stressed that the peace plan was crafted in collaboration with Israel and not imposed by external pressure. The hope is that all parties will come to the table to negotiate a lasting resolution for the benefit of all involved.