It’s time to bring the Gaza war to a close, says US
On Tuesday, the United States emphasized the need to “finalize” a deal between Israel and Hamas to end the ongoing conflict in Gaza, following Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s steadfast refusal to yield to mounting pressure. The US, alongside mediators Egypt and Qatar, intends to work over the next few days to push towards a final agreement, according to State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller.
Netanyahu’s rejection of concessions during indirect negotiations with Hamas came despite increasing domestic and international pressure, particularly after the Israeli military recovered the bodies of six hostages killed in Gaza. Miller underscored the urgency of concluding the deal, stating, “It is time to finalize that deal.”
In related developments, the US unveiled new charges on Tuesday against six Hamas leaders, accusing them of terrorism and other offenses linked to Hamas’s October 7 assault on Israel, which triggered the current Gaza conflict. The charges include Hamas chief Yahya Sinwar and his predecessor Ismail Haniyeh, who was killed in July in an attack attributed to Israel.
UN human rights chief Volker Turk has called for an “independent, impartial and transparent investigation” into allegations that the six recovered hostages were executed.
Despite rising public outcry in Israel, where protests have intensified over the fate of the hostages, Netanyahu remains resolute, stating he will not yield to pressure. Protester Jonathan Edan criticized Netanyahu, accusing him of prioritizing his political survival over negotiating a resolution with Hamas.
On Monday, Netanyahu asserted that achieving the war’s goals necessitates controlling the Philadelphi Corridor along the Gaza-Egypt border to prevent Hamas from rearming. Egypt, in response, denied allegations that its border was being used to arm Hamas and accused Netanyahu of trying to divert Israeli public opinion and hinder a ceasefire agreement. Saudi Arabia supported Egypt’s stance, denouncing the Israeli statements.
US President Joe Biden, when asked about Netanyahu’s efforts to secure a hostage deal, responded negatively, indicating dissatisfaction with the Israeli prime minister’s actions.
Hamas has long sought a complete Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, while Egyptian officials have opposed any Israeli military presence on the border. Analyst Mairav Zonszein suggested that Netanyahu is now more openly expressing his intention to maintain some level of control over Gaza.
Following Israel’s 2005 withdrawal from Gaza, it imposed a severe blockade, which has now escalated into a total siege. Britain has added pressure by suspending some arms exports to Israel, citing a “clear risk” of violating international humanitarian law.
In recent violence, an Israeli raid on a Gaza college killed two and injured 30, according to Gaza’s civil defense spokesman. The Israeli military confirmed targeting “Hamas terrorists” at the site.
As the conflict extends, Israeli forces have been engaged in a week-long assault on the West Bank, with reports of at least 30 Palestinians killed since August 28. The UN has criticized the Israeli military for obstructing aid efforts in Jenin.
The ongoing conflict has resulted in substantial casualties. According to Gaza’s health ministry, at least 40,819 people have died in Gaza since October 7, predominantly women and children. The Hamas attack on Israel led to 1,205 deaths, including hostages. Of the 251 hostages taken, 97 remain in Gaza, with 33 confirmed dead. Hamas has threatened that remaining hostages will return “inside coffins” if military pressure continues.
In response to the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza, a vaccination campaign has begun following a confirmed polio case, with more than 161,000 children having received their first vaccine dose so far. The World Health Organization aims to fully vaccinate over 640,000 children in the region.
