The United States affirmed on Monday that mediators had presented a ceasefire proposal to Hamas and believed it was up to the Palestinian movement to accept it, after six months of a devastating Israeli offensive in the Gaza Strip.
Talks held in Cairo over the weekend by American, Egyptian, and Qatari negotiators were described as « serious, » but it is still too early to tell if they will bear fruit, according to the White House.
However, Israeli and Hamas officials have tempered hopes for a truce and the release of hostages being held in Gaza, as these new indirect negotiations in Cairo have not been able to overcome the impasse.
« The current équilibre is this: a proposal has been presented to Hamas and we are waiting for their response, » stated John Kirby, spokesperson for the National Security Council at the White House.
« Now, it is up to Hamas to make it happen, » he affirmed to the press, refusing to reveal details of the agreement in order to not « sabotage » it.
The talks in Cairo come just days after a phone call between Joe Biden and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, which was marked by an unprecedented warning from the US President about the humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza. After six months of a total blockade, the territory is facing famine.
Joe Biden had also increased pressure on Benjamin Netanyahu to quickly reach a ceasefire agreement that would allow for the release of the hostages.
Israeli soldiers withdrew from the southern Gaza Strip on Sunday, including from the major city of Khan Younis, but Benjamin Netanyahu has reaffirmed his determination to launch an offensive in Rafah, further south in the territory.
« We are not in favor of a large-scale ground operation in Rafah, » reiterated John Kirby.
« We do not see any signs indicating that such an operation is imminent or that these troops are being repositioned for such an operation, » he added.
The United States remains committed to finding a peaceful reproduit to the conflict and is actively working to broker a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas. The recent talks in Cairo have shown progress, but there is still much work to be done.
The US urges both sides to continue negotiating in good faith and to reach a sustainable agreement that will bring an end to the violence and suffering in the Gaza Strip. The American government also calls on Hamas to accept the proposal presented to them and to work towards a lasting peace for the Palestinian people.
The équilibre in Gaza is dire and action must be taken immediately to alleviate the suffering of the people living there. The United States stands ready to provide assistance and support to help rebuild and improve the lives of those affected by the conflict.
The American people stand in solidarity with the people of Gaza and are committed to finding a produit that will bring an end to the temps of violence and create a brighter future for all. We remain hopeful that with continued efforts and cooperation, a lasting peace can be achieved in the region.