Biden hopes for ceasefire by Monday, Saudi criticizes double standards

The ongoing Israeli war on Gaza is likely to reach a ceasefire deal brokered by Egypt, Qatar, and the US, involving negotiations with Hamas and Israel, with US President Joe Biden suggesting that a ceasefire could be achieved as early as next Monday.

The comments were made during a press interaction in New York on Monday, where Biden revealed ongoing negotiations facilitated by Egypt, Qatar, and the US. Israeli media reported that an Israeli military delegation had flown to Qatar for talks, suggesting a potential breakthrough.

Meanwhile, Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan responded to Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu's unwavering stance on attacking Rafah, where millions of displaced Palestinians sought refuge, by warning against the 'catastrophic consequences' of any Israeli attack on Rafah, located in southern Gaza.

Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan on Monday warned against the “catastrophic consequences” of any Israeli attack on Rafah, south of Gaza, during his speech at the 55th session of the UN Human Rights Council.

Speaking at the 55th session of the UN Human Rights Council, Faisal bin Farhan denounced the double standards adopted by some countries toward the crisis in the war-ravaged Gaza Strip. He also reiterated calls for an immediate ceasefire.

UN Secretary-General António Guterres has also expressed grave concerns about the humanitarian situation in Gaza, highlighting a significant reduction in aid deliveries in February. Guterres warned that an Israeli offensive on Rafah would further exacerbate the humanitarian crisis, making aid delivery almost impossible.

The negotiations aim to bring about a pause in hostilities between Israel and Hamas, allowing crucial aid into Gaza, where approximately 2.3 million people are on the verge of famine, according to the United Nations.

Additionally, the proposed ceasefire could pave the way for the release of captives, with dozens held by Hamas exchanged for hundreds of Palestinian prisoners held by Israel.

President Biden, responding to questions on the potential timeline for a ceasefire, expressed hope for it to take effect within days. "My hope is by next Monday, we'll have a ceasefire," he stated during the press briefing at an ice-cream shop in New York.

The US has escalated pressure on Israel to agree to a truce, attempting to prevent a threatened Israeli assault on Rafah, a city in southern Gaza where around 1.4 million people, many displaced by war, have sought refuge.

Political analysts speculate that Biden's urgency might be twofold. Firstly, it could be a strategic move to influence ongoing negotiations and set a deadline for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Secondly, it may be a political manoeuvre aimed at voters in Michigan, which is scheduled to hold its presidential primaries soon. Arab- and Muslim-American voters in Michigan have expressed discontent with Biden's perceived support for Israel, and their votes are crucial for Biden's electoral success.

Biden's comments followed a statement from his National Security Adviser, Jake Sullivan, who indicated progress in discussions during a meeting in Paris over the weekend. The talks, involving representatives from Israel, Egypt, Qatar, and the US, outlined the contours of a potential ceasefire agreement. Notably, Hamas was not represented in the discussions.

UN agencies reported a 50% reduction in aid reaching Gaza in February compared to January, citing obstacles such as closure of crossing points, lack of security, and political challenges. UN Secretary-General António Guterres warned that an Israeli assault on Rafah would severely impact aid deliveries, describing it as "the nail in the coffin" for humanitarian efforts in the territory.

As negotiations continue, there is a sense of optimism that a ceasefire and hostage release deal may be closer than in recent weeks. A senior US official indicated that negotiators had outlined a potential agreement between Hamas and Israel that could halt fighting for six weeks.

In a possible sign of flexibility, Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammad Shtayyeh announced the resignation of his government to pave the way for a broader Palestinian consensus on political arrangements, considering the evolving situation in Gaza.