Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is scheduled to have a crucial meeting with US President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris on Thursday to address the ongoing conflict in Gaza and explore the possibility of a ceasefire.
The meeting between these key figures will take place at the White House amidst a backdrop of political unrest in the United States and mounting pressure on Netanyahu to secure the release of over 120 hostages held captive since Hamas’s attack on October 7.
Biden is anticipated to push Netanyahu towards committing to a phased agreement that would lead to the release of some hostages in exchange for a temporary ceasefire. While a framework for the deal has been established, there are still significant implementation challenges that need to be addressed.
The conflict has resulted in the deaths of more than 39,000 Palestinian civilians, leading to an arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court against Netanyahu for alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity, a move not recognized by the US.
In a separate meeting, Vice President Harris will engage with Netanyahu as part of her efforts to challenge Donald Trump in the upcoming presidential election. She has been vocal about the need for a ceasefire and the suffering of Palestinian civilians, potentially appealing to Democratic voters critical of the Biden administration’s approach to the conflict.
Harris, who did not attend Netanyahu’s recent address to Congress, emphasized that her absence should not be misconstrued as a boycott, highlighting the unity between her and President Biden on the issue of Israel.
Following protests against Netanyahu’s speech, Harris condemned the actions of pro-Palestine demonstrators, denouncing any association with Hamas and emphasizing the importance of peaceful protest while rejecting antisemitism and violence.
The meeting between Netanyahu, Biden, and Harris holds significant implications for the conflict in Gaza and the broader US-Israel relations, with efforts to navigate complex diplomatic challenges and seek a path towards peace.
2024-07-25 10:59:52
Original from www.theguardian.com