The United States has called for a swift conclusion to the ongoing Gaza conflict, urging Israel and Hamas to finalize a deal to end the war. The plea comes amid mounting pressure on Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who has resisted making concessions in the face of growing domestic and international demands.
US State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller announced that Washington would collaborate with mediators Egypt and Qatar in the coming days to push for a final agreement. Despite the recovery of six hostages killed in Gaza by Israeli forces, Netanyahu remains steadfast, refusing to yield to the pressure.
“It is time to finalize that deal,” Miller emphasized.
In a related move, the US unveiled a series of charges against six Hamas leaders in connection with the group’s October 7 attack on Israel, which ignited the current conflict. Among those charged are Hamas chief Yahya Sinwar and his predecessor Ismail Haniyeh, who was involved in truce talks before being killed in July in an attack attributed to Israel.
UN human rights chief Volker Turk has called for an independent investigation into reports that the six hostages recovered from Gaza had been summarily executed. However, Netanyahu has vowed not to bow to external pressure, a stance that has fueled protests in Israel, where citizens are demanding the safe return of hostages.
Amid escalating tensions, Netanyahu declared that achieving the war’s objectives necessitates control over the Philadelphi Corridor along the Gaza-Egypt border to prevent Hamas from rearming. Egypt, however, rejected allegations that its border is being used to smuggle arms to Hamas, accusing Netanyahu of trying to shift public attention and obstruct peace efforts.
Saudi Arabia has voiced support for Egypt, condemning Israel’s statements about the Philadelphi Corridor.
US President Joe Biden, after meeting with negotiators, expressed dissatisfaction with Netanyahu’s efforts to secure a hostage deal, responding with a firm “no” when asked if enough was being done.
Meanwhile, Israel’s campaign against Hamas continues to take a heavy toll, with the Gaza Health Ministry reporting over 40,000 deaths, mostly women and children, since the conflict began. The UN’s humanitarian office has raised concerns over the destruction and obstacles faced by medics in the West Bank, where Israeli forces have intensified raids, resulting in significant casualties.
In Gaza, a vaccination campaign is underway after the first confirmed polio case in 25 years, with more than 161,000 children already receiving their first dose despite the ongoing conflict. The World Health Organization aims to vaccinate over 640,000 children amid localized pauses in fighting.
