The United States on Tuesday urged for the finalization of a deal between Israel and Hamas to end the ongoing Gaza war, following Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s refusal to yield to mounting pressure.
US State Department spokesman Matthew Miller stated that Washington would collaborate with Egypt and Qatar “over the coming days” to push for a resolution. “It is time to finalize that deal,” Miller emphasized.
This call for action came after Netanyahu rejected making “concessions” in indirect negotiations with Hamas, despite increasing pressure both domestically and internationally. The Israeli military recently recovered six hostages who had been killed in Gaza, intensifying the situation.
In related developments, the US unsealed a series of charges, including “terrorism,” against six Hamas leaders in connection to the group’s October 7 attack on Israel, which ignited the current conflict. Among those charged were Hamas chief Yahya Sinwar and his predecessor Ismail Haniyeh, who was killed in July during an attack blamed on Israel.
UN human rights chief Volker Turk called for an independent investigation into reports that the six captives recovered from Gaza had been summarily executed. Meanwhile, protests in Israel continue to grow, with citizens expressing frustration over the government’s handling of the hostage situation. Some accuse Netanyahu of prioritizing his political career over the safe return of the hostages.
Amid these tensions, Netanyahu has advocated for maintaining control over the Philadelphi Corridor along the Gaza-Egypt border, to prevent Hamas from rearming. Egypt has denied claims that its Gaza border is being used to arm Hamas, accusing Netanyahu of trying to “distract Israeli public opinion” and hinder a ceasefire deal.
International reactions include Saudi Arabia backing Egypt and condemning Netanyahu’s statements regarding the Philadelphi Corridor. US President Joe Biden, when asked if Netanyahu was doing enough to secure a hostage deal, responded with a blunt “no.”
Hamas has long demanded a full Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, and Egyptian officials have opposed any Israeli military presence on the border. Analysts suggest that Netanyahu aims to occupy Gaza indefinitely, a stance he is now expressing more openly.
The conflict, which began on October 7, has resulted in significant casualties. According to Gaza’s health ministry, Israel’s campaign has killed at least 40,819 people in the territory, with the UN noting that most of the dead are women and children. On the Israeli side, 1,205 people have died, including civilians and hostages killed in captivity.
The humanitarian situation in Gaza remains dire, with widespread destruction and disease outbreaks among the displaced population. In response to the first confirmed polio case in 25 years, a vaccination campaign began on Sunday, with over 161,000 children already receiving their first dose.
The situation remains fluid, with ongoing international efforts to mediate a resolution and prevent further loss of life.
By Ebubedike Ochu
