Joe Biden Expresses Concern Over Complicated Negotiations Following 'Worrying' Incident in Gaza

The White House stated that President Joe Biden spoke with the leaders of Egypt and Qatar on Thursday, March 1, regarding the 'tragic and worrying' incident in northern Gaza, ways to ensure the freedom of hostages still held by Hamas, and a six-week ceasefire. Reuters reported that Biden believes this deadly incident complicates negotiations for a ceasefire. He told reporters, 'I know it will be that way.' According to Reuters, Gaza health officials reported that over a hundred Palestinians were shot dead by Israeli forces while waiting for food aid, and about 280 others were injured, but Israel challenged the death toll, claiming many victims were run over by aid trucks. Ismail Haniyeh, a Hamas leader, stated in a televised speech on Wednesday, February 28, that Hamas is showing 'flexibility' in the ongoing negotiations for a temporary ceasefire aimed at releasing hostages and humanitarian aid, but is also ready to continue fighting. He called on the 'Resistance Axis' (a term used by Iranian officials to refer to Iran and its allies like Hezbollah, the Houthis, and Shia forces in Iraq and Syria) to increase their attacks. Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant also stated on Wednesday that Hamas's main goal is to turn Ramadan into the second phase of its plan that began on October 7, emphasizing Al-Aqsa Mosque and Jerusalem, a goal supported by Iran and Hezbollah. Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi expressed hope on Wednesday that the ceasefire plan in Gaza would soon yield results and bring real peace to the people of Gaza. President Biden had said on Monday that he hopes a 'temporary ceasefire' agreement will be reached by March 5. The U.S. government is now using the term 'temporary ceasefire' instead of 'pause in hostilities.' His remarks were immediately met with official opposition from Qatar, the mediator of the negotiations, Hamas, and unofficial comments from several Israeli officials. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, without referencing Biden's comments, stated that Israel's position for 'continuing the campaign until complete victory' enjoys broad support in the U.S. Hamas, designated a terrorist group by the U.S. and several European countries and supported by the Islamic Republic, killed 1,200 people and took 253 hostages in the October 7 attack on Israel. The Palestinian Authority received $114 million from Israel. The High Commissioner for Human Rights accused 'all parties' involved in the Israel-Hamas war of 'committing war crimes.' An Israeli attack near the Lebanon and Syria border left one dead. The U.S. and Canada are considering air aid to civilians in Gaza. Israel confirmed attacks on Hezbollah positions. Speculation continues about a possible agreement; Egypt is hopeful; Hamas is 'ready' to continue fighting. UN officials report that 576,000 residents of Gaza are on the brink of famine.