White House Puts Pressure on Hamas to Accept Gaza Peace Proposal Amid Israeli Coalition Tensions
The White House emphasized that the decision on a new Gaza peace proposal rests with Hamas, despite Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s mixed responses reflecting turmoil within his coalition. US National Security spokesperson John Kirby clarified that the proposal, though announced by President Joe Biden, originated from Israeli negotiations.
Netanyahu, speaking to the Knesset, rejected any ceasefire not ensuring Hamas’s total military defeat. Kirby noted that Israel’s Foreign Minister, Israel Katz, confirmed the proposal’s Israeli origins, aligning with Biden’s three-phase plan outlined on Friday. This plan involves a ceasefire, hostages’ release, and phased Israeli withdrawal.
The proposal, developed with Israeli and Qatari input, reached Hamas last Thursday. Its first phase includes releasing hostages and Palestinian detainees, and a ceasefire, facilitating humanitarian aid to Gaza. The second phase targets a comprehensive ceasefire and complete troop withdrawal, while the third focuses on Gaza’s reconstruction.
Disagreements between Biden and Netanyahu’s versions, particularly on Hamas’s role in the second phase, highlight the plan’s complexity. Biden asserts Israel has weakened Hamas sufficiently, while Netanyahu demands its complete obliteration.
IDF spokesperson Rear Adm Daniel Hagari assured Israel’s security in any deal. Meanwhile, right-wing Israeli ministers, including Itamar Ben-Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich, threaten to resign if the deal doesn’t guarantee Hamas’s destruction, adding pressure on Netanyahu within his coalition.
