Biden Pressures Netanyahu for Ceasefire... Hamas Also "Expects Ceasefire Within Two Days"

Biden "Expecting Significant Phased Easing" Pressures Netanyahu
Netanyahu "Operations Will Continue Until Goals Are Achieved," Emphasizes Willingness to Fight
Israeli Military Expects "Hostilities to Continue Until the 21st"

[Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Hyunwoo Lee] As the conflict between Israel and the Palestinian armed group Hamas enters its 10th day, U.S. President Joe Biden is reported to have strongly pressured Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to approve a ceasefire. A senior Hamas official also stated that a ceasefire could be possible within two days, raising expectations that the behind-the-scenes negotiations led by the U.S., Egypt, and the international community will make significant progress. Although Prime Minister Netanyahu has stated that the fighting will continue until the Israeli military's objectives are achieved, there are forecasts that a prolonged conflict will be difficult to sustain.

According to foreign media including the Associated Press on the 19th (local time), the White House announced that President Biden and Prime Minister Netanyahu held their fourth phone call this week, during which Biden reportedly told Netanyahu, "I expect a significant step toward de-escalation leading to a ceasefire today." This strong pressure for ceasefire approval is interpreted as a response to criticism that the U.S. is biased toward Israel in the Palestinian conflict, which has worsened both international and domestic public opinion.

On this day, the White House also omitted the phrase "support Israel's right to defend itself," which it had emphasized in previous statements about calls between Biden and Netanyahu, strongly warning Israel not to continue the fighting.

However, Netanyahu is reported to have reiterated his determination to continue the conflict. According to the Times of Israel, immediately after the call with President Biden, Netanyahu emphasized at a press conference, "We will continue operations until the goal of restoring Israel's peace and security is achieved." The Times of Israel cited senior Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) officials saying that the fighting will continue at least until the 21st.

Nevertheless, due to ongoing U.S. pressure for a ceasefire and behind-the-scenes negotiations involving the U.S., Egypt, and the international community, there are also views that it will be difficult for this conflict to continue long-term beyond this week. According to CNN, Hamas senior official Mousa Abu Marzouk said in an interview with a Lebanese broadcaster, "A ceasefire is expected within a day or two," raising hopes for a ceasefire. Currently, U.S. and Egyptian special envoys are reportedly waiting to see whether Israel will accept the ceasefire proposal.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.