USA: Achieving a 'Temporary Ceasefire' Agreement Between Israel and Hamas is 'Possible'

Matthew Miller, spokesperson for the U.S. State Department, cited the 'feasibility' of a potential agreement for a 'temporary ceasefire' in the Israel-Hamas war as the reason for President Joe Biden's optimism, referring to a text prepared in Paris and ongoing negotiations in Doha. The U.S. President stated on Monday that such an agreement might be reached by March 5. Biden's remarks faced official opposition from Qatar, the mediator of the negotiations, Hamas, and unofficial dissent from several senior Israeli officials. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu did not respond directly to Biden's comments but stated that his country's position is to 'continue this campaign until complete victory' over Hamas, which enjoys comprehensive support in the U.S. The U.S. State Department spokesperson also confirmed that the presence of Hamas members in Rafah poses a 'legitimate threat' to Israel's security. From the U.S. government's perspective, achieving a 'temporary ceasefire' by next Monday is ideal, as it would provide some calm for Palestinians with the onset of Ramadan and create the best opportunity for humanitarian aid. Miller emphasized that reaching an agreement largely depends on Hamas. The U.S. government is now using the term 'temporary ceasefire' instead of 'pause in hostilities.' Although the text prepared in Paris currently envisions a 40-day ceasefire for the first phase and the release of a limited number of hostages, according to the State Department spokesperson, the Biden administration hopes the 'temporary ceasefire' will last beyond the designated time until 'all hostages are released.' Hamas, which is financially and militarily supported by the Islamic Republic, killed over 1,200 people and took 253 hostages in its attack on southern Israel on October 7. Some of these hostages are still being held in Gaza. Israel's military response to Hamas's terrorist attack has resulted in thousands of deaths in Gaza and the destruction of large parts of the Palestinian territory. Israel claims that Hamas hides behind civilians. The Israeli Defense Minister stated that the Islamic Republic and Hamas intend to execute the 'second phase of the October 7 attack' during Ramadan. A United Nations official stated that the Israeli army blocked a medical aid convoy in Gaza despite prior coordination. Details of the draft for a 40-day ceasefire in Gaza indicate that Palestinian prisoners will be exchanged for Israeli hostages. Biden expressed hope for an early ceasefire in Gaza; Al Jazeera reported that Israel agreed to release 400 Palestinian prisoners. The U.S. stated that the resignation of the Palestinian Authority cabinet is a positive step towards reforms. Arab countries and Turkey have called on the global court to declare the 'occupation of Palestinian lands' illegal.