Mixed Signals: Biden’s Cease-fire Optimism Clashes With Israeli and Hamas Concerns
US President Joe Biden expressed optimism on Monday about reaching a cease-fire in the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas by the upcoming week, potentially leading to the release of hostages held by the Gaza-ruling terror group since October 7. Speaking to reporters after an appearance on NBC’s Late Night With Seth Meyers in New York, Biden suggested that a truce could be on the horizon, indicating that his national security adviser has informed him of significant progress towards a deal.
The statement comes amid intensified efforts by American negotiators to broker a pause-for-hostages agreement before the start of Ramadan on March 10. High-level US officials have been actively involved in the negotiations, with optimism stemming from recent discussions between Israeli and Qatari representatives. However, the State Department adopted a more cautious tone, emphasizing the contingent nature of the agreement on Hamas’s willingness to cooperate.
Contrasting Biden’s optimism, an unnamed senior Israeli official—cited by the Ynet news site—questioned the basis of the US President’s confidence. “I don’t understand what his optimism is based on,” the official remarked, reflecting a sentiment of uncertainty that has permeated Israeli circles following statements that Hamas appeared set to reject the latest proposal by international mediators.
Furthermore, a Hamas official told Reuters that Biden’s comments on the imminent cessation of hostilities in Gaza were premature and did not accurately reflect the situation on the ground. According to the official, “there are still big gaps that need to be bridged” before a truce can be achieved.
This comes alongside reports from Hebrew media suggesting a growing pessimism among Israeli officials over the prospects of reaching a hostage deal that meets Hamas’ demands. The proposed Paris framework, emerging from negotiations involving Israel, the US, Egypt, and Qatar, suggests the release of 40 hostages in exchange for a six-week pause in fighting, alongside Israel’s release of hundreds of Palestinian terror convicts.
