Biden Urges Netanyahu to Prioritize Gaza Ceasefire Deal

President Joe Biden emphasized the critical need for a Gaza ceasefire and the release of hostages in his recent conversation with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, according to a statement from the White House.

Vice President Kamala Harris also participated in Wednesday’s call, and Biden highlighted the necessity of eliminating “any remaining obstacles” to reaching an agreement with Hamas.

He reaffirmed the United States’ commitment to defending Israel against “all threats from Iran, including its proxy terrorist groups Hamas, Hezbollah, and the Houthis.”

This call came on the heels of a diplomatic mission by the US Secretary of State, who visited the Middle East to advocate for a resolution to the ongoing conflict. Netanyahu’s office reiterated Israel’s intent to maintain a military presence in the Philadelphi Corridor, the area along the Gaza-Egypt border, even if a ceasefire deal is reached.

“Israel will ensure that all its war objectives, as determined by the security cabinet, are met, including the requirement that Gaza never again pose a security threat to Israel, which involves securing the southern border,” the statement said.

This issue has become a significant point of contention, as Hamas insists on a full Israeli withdrawal from Gaza. Egypt, too, opposes Israeli troops on its border with Gaza.

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On Monday, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken announced that Israel had agreed to a “US bridging proposal” after meeting with Netanyahu in Jerusalem.

While Blinken did not confirm whether the proposal involved the withdrawal of Israeli troops from the Philadelphi Corridor, Netanyahu’s persistent public defence of the plan has reportedly frustrated US officials.

A US official criticized Netanyahu’s “maximalist statements,” suggesting they were hindering the progress of ceasefire negotiations.

The next round of talks is scheduled for this weekend in Cairo, with representatives from the US, Israel, Egypt, and Qatar expected to attend. Although Hamas has not confirmed their participation, it is believed they are staying informed through Egyptian and Qatari mediators.

A Hamas political bureau member told the BBC that the group had “agreed on a deal [through mediators] on 2 July” and sees no need for additional negotiations over Netanyahu’s new demands.

“We have shown maximum flexibility and positivity,” said Basem Naim, accusing Netanyahu of seeking to “escalate the situation for his political gain.”

In Gaza, Israeli airstrikes on Wednesday killed at least 50 Palestinians, according to Hamas-run health authorities. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) reported hitting around 30 targets, including tunnels, launch sites, and an observation post.

One of the targets was the UN-run Salah al-Din school in Gaza City, which the IDF claimed was being used by Hamas operatives. The strike resulted in the deaths of at least four people and injured 15 more, according to Hamas-run Civil Defence services.

Philippe Lazzarini, head of the UN’s Palestinian refugee agency, condemned the strike, noting that children were among the victims. “Gaza is no place for children anymore. They are the first casualty of this merciless war,” he said, calling for an immediate ceasefire.

Israel’s military campaign in Gaza began in response to an unprecedented attack by Hamas on southern Israel on 7 October, which left around 1,200 people dead and 251 taken hostage. Since then, more than 40,223 people have been killed in Gaza, according to the Hamas-run health ministry. The UN reports that the majority of those killed have been women and children.

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