WASHINGTON: The White House on Monday said that the Palestinian resistance group Hamas bore the responsibility for deciding on a ceasefire in the besieged Gaza Strip with Israel, after negotiators presented a truce proposal to the Palestinian group, AFP reported.
“At the end of the weekend, a proposal was submitted to Hamas. And now it is going to be up to Hamas to come through,” National Security Council spokesman John Kirby told reporters on a call.
Earlier, Israel and Hamas both dampened hopes on Monday of a speedy breakthrough in Cairo talks towards a Gaza truce and hostage release deal after Egyptian state-linked media had reported “significant progress”.
Egyptian state-linked media had initially reported “significant progress” in the negotiations, raising expectations for a breakthrough. However, subsequent statements from Israeli and Palestinian sources painted a more cautious picture, indicating lingering disagreements and obstacles to a speedy truce deal.
Despite mounting international pressure, including calls from the United States for a cessation of hostilities, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared that Israel is “one step away from victory” in Gaza. However, the withdrawal of Israeli forces from southern Gaza was described as tactical, signaling a potential shift in strategy rather than an end to the conflict.
Negotiations in Cairo, attended by US, Qatari, and Egyptian mediators, aim to broker a ceasefire and secure the release of hostages held by Hamas. US President Joe Biden’s decision to dispatch CIA chief Bill Burns to the talks underscores the gravity of the situation and the urgency for a resolution.
While reports initially suggested progress in the discussions, Israeli officials cautioned against premature optimism, stating that significant gaps still exist between the parties. Hamas sources highlighted disagreements over the pace of displaced Palestinians returning to Gaza City.
The prolonged conflict in Gaza has exacted a heavy toll on civilian populations, with thousands of Palestinians killed and widespread devastation to infrastructure. The dire humanitarian situation, compounded by a siege that has restricted access to essential supplies, underscores the urgency for a resolution to the crisis.
