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Biden, Joe

Biden Criticizes Netanyahu Over Gaza Ceasefire Deal as US Renews Effort

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Washington, D.C. - In a rare public rebuke of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, US President Joe Biden expressed frustration on Monday that Netanyahu is not doing enough to finalize a Gaza ceasefire deal, stating that the US is "very close" to presenting a final proposal for the release of Israeli captives in Gaza. Despite the Biden administration's efforts to distance itself from Netanyahu, Biden's criticism marks one of the most overt criticisms made by a US president.

Key Takeaways:

  • The US is "very close" to presenting a final proposal for the release of Israeli captives in Gaza, according to President Biden.
  • Netanyahu has insisted that Israel must hold on to the Philadelphi Corridor, the Palestinian side of the border between Gaza and Egypt, and has repeatedly stated that he will not agree to any deal that does not result in a "total victory" over Hamas.
  • Several rounds of indirect talks have been held in Egypt and Qatar, but Hamas and other Palestinian groups say any deal must include a permanent end to the war and full Israeli withdrawal from Gaza.
  • US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan met with the families of US citizens held captive in Gaza on Monday, emphasizing President Biden's and his administration's commitment to securing the release of the remaining hostages.
  • The criticism by Biden marks one of the most overt criticisms made by a US president of Netanyahu, despite the US being Israel's main weapons supplier and diplomatic ally.
  • The Biden administration has attempted to distance itself from Netanyahu, but Biden's comments suggest a renewed effort by the US to reach a ceasefire deal.

Statistics:

  • Since the start of the war in October, over 40,700 Palestinians have been killed in Gaza.
  • The US has vetoed three United Nations Security Council proposals that would have called for a ceasefire in Gaza, and abstained on another such vote in March.
  • Six Israeli captives were found dead in Gaza two days ago, including one American citizen.
  • 109 hostages remain held in Gaza, according to Hamas.
  • 16,000 Palestinian children have been killed in the Gaza conflict since Israel's founding in 1948.
  • 47 Palestinians were killed by Israel in the last 24 hours.

Sources:

  • Al Jazeera
  • Reuters
  • White House statement
  • US Secretary of State Antony Blinken's statement
  • IS Report
  • Uncommitted National Movement
  • The New York Times

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