Fri Sep 20 13:46:51 UTC 2024: ## Biden’s Promise of Israel-Hamas Ceasefire Falters Amid Escalating Conflict

Despite months of intense negotiations and optimistic pronouncements from the Biden administration, a ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas conflict appears increasingly unlikely before President Biden leaves office, according to US officials.

Sources within the administration have told the Wall Street Journal that “no deal is imminent” and some even doubt if a deal will ever be reached. The recent execution of six hostages by Hamas and Israel’s escalating conflict with Hezbollah in Lebanon have further jeopardized negotiations.

Biden, facing pressure from pro-Palestinian progressives within his party, had repeatedly assured the public that a ceasefire was within reach. Just last month, he stated that a deal was “closer than we’ve ever been” and the administration has consistently maintained that progress was being made. Secretary of State Antony Blinken even claimed two weeks ago that Israel and Hamas had agreed to “more than 90 percent” of a draft deal.

However, despite these optimistic pronouncements, anonymous US officials and sources in Arab countries are now casting doubt on the possibility of a ceasefire before the upcoming election. The focus, according to sources, has shifted to a “wait-and-see” approach, with the outcome of the US election expected to heavily influence future negotiations.

While an Israeli official claimed Thursday that Israel is ready to end its Gaza operation and offer Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar safe passage in exchange for the release of all hostages and disarmament, Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant denied any knowledge of such a plan. Moreover, analysts believe Hamas’ leadership would be unlikely to accept such terms.

The current conflict, which began with Hamas’ surprise attack on Israel last October, has resulted in the deaths of over 40,000 Palestinians and 1,100 Israelis. While 105 hostages were released last November, the fate of the remaining captives remains unknown.

With the conflict escalating and negotiations at a standstill, the prospect of a ceasefire in the near future appears increasingly distant. The future of the conflict and the possibility of peace remain uncertain as the US election approaches and the region awaits a new chapter in the protracted struggle.

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