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Biden Urges Ceasefire in Gaza as US-Backed Talks Progress Toward Truce
President Biden pushes for a ceasefire and the return of Israeli captives in Gaza, with high-level negotiations in Doha aiming for a deal before Trump's inauguration.
ND
by News Desk
2025-01-13
Biden Urges Ceasefire in Gaza as US-Backed Talks Progress Toward Truce

President Joe Biden has emphasized the urgent need for a ceasefire in Gaza and the return of Israeli captives, urging Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to push forward with ongoing negotiations. The US president’s remarks came during a phone call on Sunday, as both sides continue talks for a potential truce before President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration on January 20.

The negotiations, which have been mediated by the US, Egypt, and Qatar for over a year, have encountered multiple delays despite the apparent closeness of a deal. The current round of talks is taking place in Doha, with Israel's Mossad chief David Barnea and Biden’s Middle East advisor Brett McGurk actively participating. These high-level officials' involvement marks a significant step toward finalizing the agreement.

Jake Sullivan, Biden’s national security adviser, expressed cautious optimism, stating that while the sides are very close to a deal, the situation remains uncertain until a final agreement is reached. He explained that the negotiations are centered around a phased ceasefire that Biden first proposed in May of the previous year and was later endorsed by the United Nations Security Council.

“The immediate need is for a ceasefire in Gaza and the return of the hostages, alongside humanitarian aid that can be distributed once fighting halts,” Biden’s administration stated.

While Netanyahu expressed gratitude for Biden's support, he has indicated that Israel is only committed to the first phase of the ceasefire, which involves releasing some hostages in exchange for a temporary halt in fighting. Hamas, on the other hand, has insisted on a full Israeli withdrawal from Gaza before considering any ceasefire.

Issues surrounding which captives would be released, the fate of Palestinian prisoners, and the scope of Israeli troop withdrawals from Gaza’s population centers remain key points of contention in the talks.

Israeli officials are expected to remain in Qatar for at least another day, attempting to finalize the details of the truce. However, internal divisions within Netanyahu’s coalition, particularly from the far-right, have complicated the situation, with some members opposing any ceasefire agreement. Reports suggest that Netanyahu may have delayed the negotiations for fear of jeopardizing his government’s stability.

Meanwhile, Israel’s airstrikes on Gaza have continued unabated, with the north of the enclave facing the heaviest bombardment. As of now, more than 46,000 Palestinians have been killed, with the vast majority being women and children, and over 90% of Gaza’s population has been displaced. The humanitarian crisis deepens as the conflict, described by some UN experts as "genocide," enters its 15th month.

The war began after the October 7 Hamas-led attack, which resulted in the deaths of 1,200 Israelis and the capture of 250 others. Since then, only one brief ceasefire has been achieved, at the outset of the fighting.

 
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Israel

Palestine

BIDEN

GazaCeasefire

MiddleEastConflict
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