White House National Security Council Spokesperson, John Kirby, has said that the Biden administration is “confident” that the U.S ceasefire proposal “accurately reflects” a proposal worked on with Israel.
He stated that “the ball” is now in Hamas’s court to make a decision.
He said that he’s unaware of any “gaps” in the ceasefire deal proposed by US President Biden, despite Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu reportedly saying the opposite.
“As for the gaps, I don’t know what gaps you’re referring to,” Kirby said during a briefing with reporters.
US State Department spokesperson, Matthew Miller also said that the Palestinian group should accept the truce deal presented by Biden, adding the plan is “nearly identical” to a proposal it accepted weeks ago.
“The world should know, the Palestinian people should know that the only thing standing in the way of an immediate ceasefire today is Hamas,” Miller told reporters.
Additionally, House Minority Leader, Hakeem Jeffries joined other U.S and Western politicians in calling on Hamas to accept the deal.
He hailed what he called the “peace plan” proposed by US President Joe Biden to end the war in Gaza.
“Hamas must never again threaten the people of Israel. In that regard, the proposed peace plan is designed to cement Israel’s comprehensive military victory, while also ending the war.”
Hakeem Jeffries
Hamas is still active throughout Gaza and has been attacking Israeli forces daily.
Meanwhile, the discrepancy between the US and Israeli statements has sparked confusion.
Netanyahu reiterated on Monday, June 4, 2024, that Israel’s top priority is “destroying” Hamas, which will be pursued along with the recovery of captives held in Gaza, saying that both goals are part of a plan to wind down the war approved by the war cabinet.
“This is not something that I am adding now. This is not something that I am adding because I am under pressure within the coalition. It is something we agreed on unanimously in the war cabinet,” Netanyahu said in a video statement.
Israel’s Finance Minister, Bezalel Smotrich also hit out at the ceasefire proposal.
Smotrich said taking the deal would “humiliate” Israel and amount to a “surrender” to Hamas’s Gaza chief, Yahya Sinwar.
“If, God forbid, the government decides to adopt this offer of surrender, we will not be part of it and will work to replace the failed leadership with a new one.
“I told the Prime Minister, ‘We, together with the bereaved families and the majority of the people of Israel, will stand by your side for a decision and victory. But we will stand against you with all strength and aggression if you choose surrender and defeat’.”
Bezalel Smotrich
Important To Deal Positively With U.S Proposal
Nonetheless, the Foreign Ministers of Saudi Arabia, Jordan, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar and Egypt say it’s important to “deal seriously and positively” with a proposal presented by US President Joe Biden that would lead to a ceasefire in Gaza.
The ministers met virtually to discuss the proposal alongside US-Qatari-Egyptian mediating efforts for an Israeli captives-Palestinian prisoners swap, which would eventually lead to a permanent end of the war and major flows of desperately needed aid into Gaza.
The Ministers underscored the necessity to stop the aggression on Gaza, end the humanitarian catastrophe it causes, facilitate the return of displaced individuals to their areas, and demand a full withdrawal of Israeli occupation forces from the Strip.
They mentioned the need for launching a reconstruction process as part of a comprehensive plan to implement the two-state solution based on relevant UN Security Council resolutions, with specified timelines and binding guarantees.
The Ministers also emphasized that implementing the two-state solution is the path to achieving security and peace for all in the region.
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