The USA has declared that it has every expectation that Israel will accept a ceasefire proposal if Gaza also accepts.
The deal would begin with a six-week cessation of hostilities in Gaza, says the White House.
It is a three-part plan involving a surge” of humanitarian aid, and an exchange of some hostages for Palestinian prisoners before a permanent end to the war, says President Biden.
The proposal, however, has met with vocal opposition from some members of Israel’s government, reports the BBC – though the US is confident that Israel can be pressured by America to accept.
On Saturday, however, two far-right Israeli ministers threatened to quit and collapse the country’s governing coalition if Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu agreed to the deal, while Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir said they were opposed to striking any deal before Hamas was destroyed.
Hamas has not responded yet, but is also subject to American pressure. The US suggests that Hamas is in a position of military vulnerability.
Netanyahu himself has insisted that there will be no ceasefire until Hamas’s military and governing capabilities are destroyed and all hostages are released.
This also represents a shift in the US pro-Israel attitude, after countries around the world recognized Palestinian statehood and shunned Israel in a multitude of ways.
