Biden Urges End to Israel-Gaza War as Ceasefire Framework Gains Traction

President Joe Biden has called for an immediate end to the Israel-Gaza war, emphasizing that Israel should not occupy Gaza post-conflict. The ceasefire proposal has seen progress, with both sides moving towards agreement, but gaps remain. Biden's administration continues to face criticism over its support for Israel amid the conflict's human toll.

U.S. President Joe Biden urged an immediate end to the Israel-Gaza war on Thursday, stressing that Israel must avoid occupying Gaza after the conflict winds down. Biden confirmed that a ceasefire framework had been agreed upon by both Israel and Hamas, though certain terms still need to be finalized. 'I sent my team to the region to hammer out the details,' he stated during a news conference.

In late May, Biden laid out a three-phase proposal aimed at achieving a ceasefire, releasing hostages in Gaza, and obtaining the withdrawal of Israel from the enclave. The proposal also focuses on the reconstruction of Gaza. CIA Director Bill Burns and U.S. Middle East envoy Brett McGurk are currently in the region meeting with counterparts to advance the ceasefire deal.

'These are difficult, complex issues. There are still gaps to close. We're making progress,' Biden said. Hamas has dropped its demand that Israel first commits to a permanent ceasefire before signing the agreement, a key point in the discussions.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu remains determined that any deal should not hinder Israel from resuming fighting until its war objectives are met. Netanyahu had pledged to annihilate Hamas at the war's outset and insists on respecting Israel's red lines.

Biden criticized some steps taken by Israel during the conflict, noting that 'Israel occasionally was less than cooperative.' The U.S. president also expressed his disappointment at some unfulfilled initiatives, such as the U.S. military's planned humanitarian pier off Gaza's coast.

Facing international criticism, the Biden administration has seen domestic protests against its Gaza policy and several officials have resigned. The conflict, triggered by a Hamas-led attack on October 7, has resulted in over 38,000 Palestinian deaths according to Gaza's health ministry. Allegations of genocide have been firmly denied by Israel.

(With inputs from agencies.)