Gaza ceasefire nearing completion amid ongoing negotiations
- A ceasefire agreement in Gaza is reportedly 90 percent ready, according to an anonymous US official.
- Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has dismissed this assessment as inaccurate, while President Biden's administration continues to push for a truce amid ongoing delays.
- Despite the challenges, US officials remain hopeful that a breakthrough could occur, which may influence the upcoming presidential election.
Negotiations for a ceasefire in Gaza are reportedly close to completion, with an anonymous US official stating that the agreement is 90 percent ready. However, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu quickly refuted this claim, indicating the complexities involved in reaching a consensus. The Biden administration, facing a tight timeline with just over four months left in office, is ramping up diplomatic efforts to secure a truce, emphasizing the urgency of the situation as casualties continue to rise on both sides. Since the announcement of hostages killed by Hamas on September 1, the Biden administration has been advocating for a ceasefire, despite Netanyahu's firm stance against concessions. The political dynamics are further complicated by mass protests in Israel favoring a deal, while both Netanyahu and Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar are wary of the political implications of accepting a truce. The ongoing conflict has resulted in significant loss of life, with official figures indicating over 1,200 deaths in Israel and nearly 40,000 in Gaza. President Biden has faced criticism for his support of Israel's military actions while also urging for greater protection of civilians. As the situation evolves, US officials remain cautiously optimistic about the potential for a breakthrough, which could have significant implications for regional stability and the Biden administration's political future, particularly in relation to Saudi Arabia's potential recognition of Israel.