WASHINGTON: The White House expressed cautious optimism on Friday regarding a proposal from the Palestinian resistance group Hamas for a Gaza ceasefire-for-hostages deal, signaling a potential breakthrough in the ongoing conflict. Meanwhile, calls for international action to address the humanitarian crisis in Gaza are growing louder.
White House national security spokesperson John Kirby acknowledged that the ceasefire proposal, which includes the release of Israeli hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners, aligns with the broad parameters of the deal under negotiation for several months. While cautiously optimistic about progress, Kirby emphasized that further discussions are needed to reach a final agreement.
In response to the escalating crisis in Gaza, the Palestinian Foreign Ministry called for urgent international intervention through a binding resolution in the UN Security Council to enforce an immediate ceasefire. The ministry emphasized the critical need to protect Palestinian civilians and denounced the use of their lives as bargaining chips in the conflict.
Gaza Ceasefire Must to Avoid Catastrophic Famine
The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) issued a dire warning about the deteriorating humanitarian situation in Gaza, citing a sharp rise in malnutrition among Palestinian children under the age of two. With famine looming and malnutrition reaching unprecedented levels, urgent action is needed to address the growing crisis.
Meanwhile, President Joe Biden condemned the resurgence of Islamophobia amid the Israel-Gaza conflict, marking the International Day to Combat Islamophobia. However, a leading Muslim advocacy group called for a change in US policy instead of mere statements, citing incidents of violence targeting Palestinians and Muslims in the US.
Meanwhile, Israel approved a potential assault on the Gaza city of Rafah, despite global concerns over civilian casualties. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s decision to greenlight the plan comes amidst ongoing ceasefire negotiations and efforts to secure a hostage deal with the Palestinian resistance group.
