Growing calls for Gaza truce; Hamas demands Biden plan.

On Monday, calls for an immediate halt to the hostilities in Gaza grew louder as the UK, France, and Germany collectively demanded a stop to the violence between Hamas and Israel without any more delays. The appeal was issued a day following the request from Hamas, the Palestinian militant organization responsible for initiating the conflict with an October 7 assault on Israel, for mediators to finalize a truce using the proposal put forth by US President Joe Biden rather than continuing discussions.

French President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer released a joint statement stating, “The fighting must end now, and all hostages still detained by Hamas must be released.” They emphasized the critical need for swift and unrestricted aid access to Gaza’s populace, underlining the urgency by stating, “There can be no further delay.”

Amidst escalating violence and the assassinations of militants aligned with Iran, raising the specter of an expanded conflict, international intermediaries have called on both sides to restart negotiations aimed at achieving a long-awaited agreement on a ceasefire and the exchange of hostages. Israel, responding to an invite from the US, Qatar, and Egypt, has agreed to dispatch representatives for discussions set for Thursday, with an Israeli spokesperson expressing the talks’ goal to “finalize the details of the implementation of the framework agreement.”

Despite an initial hesitancy to publicly support President Biden’s May 31 proposal, the Israeli government under Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is moving forward, though some right-wing members of his cabinet remain in opposition. Hamas has expressed a preference for enacting the plan, which has received Biden’s outline and the UN Security Council’s backing, over entering further negotiation rounds or considering new offers.

Biden’s plan suggests an initial comprehensive ceasefire and negotiations for a long-term peace, alongside a significant plan for Gaza’s rebuilding and the exchange of hostages and prisoners.