The American New York Times said that the Joe Biden administration is “optimistic” about the possibility of reaching an agreement between Israel and Hamas, leading to a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip.
The source explained that Biden and his national security team believe that “there is a narrow window to conclude an agreement that would stop the war in Gaza at least temporarily, and perhaps end it forever.”
He added that there are “several factors” behind the Biden administration’s optimism, including “benefiting from the successful defense of Israel against the Iranian attack, increasing popular pressure in Tel Aviv to release the hostages, and Saudi Arabia’s keenness on bilateral agreements with America.”
Prince Faisal bin Farhan, Saudi Foreign Minister, revealed on Monday that it is expected “in the near future” to conclude bilateral agreements between the Kingdom and the United States.
US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken also stated: “I believe that the work that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the United States are doing together regarding our agreements may be very close to completion.”
Another factor that makes the Biden administration optimistic relates to the truce proposal, which Blinken described as a “generous offer” by Israel.
The “generous offer” requires Israeli officials to accept reducing the number of hostages they want Hamas to release during the first phase of the truce, to 33 (from 40).
In this regard, Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry said that he was “optimistic” about the recent ceasefire proposal.
All of these factors, the New York Times adds, “have combined to make this moment a moment in which Biden may be able to break the impasse in the next week or two.”
The American newspaper highlighted that Biden’s advisors are pressing to reach a ceasefire agreement before Israel can begin its long-threatened attack on the city of Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip.
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