Biden Optimistic About Gaza Ceasefire Amidst Ongoing Tensions

U.S. President Joe Biden expressed optimism about a Gaza ceasefire and hostage release deal, cautioning that the process is far from over. He emphasized that no party in the Middle East should hinder these efforts. Ceasefire talks in Doha paused, with new proposals from Washington, amidst rising violence since Hamas' October 7 attack.

U.S. President Joe Biden said on Friday that no party in the Middle East should undermine efforts to reach a Gaza ceasefire and hostage release deal that he claimed was now in sight, but he warned that it was "far from over."

"No one in the region should take actions to undermine this process," Biden wrote on social media. He later told reporters he was optimistic about prospects for a ceasefire.

"As of an hour ago, it's still in play. I'm optimistic. It's far from over," he said on Friday night. "There's a couple more issues. I think we've got a shot," he added, without elaborating. Asked when a ceasefire deal would start if a deal is reached, Biden said: "That remains to be seen."

The importance of a lasting ceasefire is underscored by Israel's insistence that peace can only be achieved if Hamas is dismantled, while Hamas demands a permanent ceasefire.

Ceasefire talks in Doha paused on Friday with negotiators to meet again next week. The U.S., Qatar, and Egypt issued a joint statement acknowledging a new proposal from Washington. The U.S., Israel's key ally, suggests a ceasefire would mitigate the growing threat of their conflict's expansion. Biden's original three-phase ceasefire plan, presented on May 31, has faced significant hurdles.

The latest violence in the long-standing Israeli-Palestinian conflict began on October 7 when Hamas attacked Israel, resulting in 1,200 deaths and around 250 hostages, according to Israeli records. Israel's subsequent offensive in the Hamas-controlled Gaza Strip has killed over 40,000 Palestinians, displaced nearly 2.3 million people, caused a hunger crisis, and led to genocide allegations at the World Court, which Israel denies.

(With inputs from agencies.)