Progress in Israel-Palestine Ceasefire Talks: "Hostilities May Halt as Early as the 21st"

WSJ "Bilateral Backchannel Talks Underway"
Israel Likely to Accept Ceasefire Proposal Amid Biden's Pressure

[Image source=AP Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Suhwan] Reports have emerged that a ceasefire between Israel and Palestine is imminent. Amid ongoing bilateral behind-the-scenes negotiations led by Egypt and increasing U.S. pressure to halt hostilities, the likelihood that both Israel and Palestine will accept a ceasefire plan has grown.

On the 19th (local time), The Wall Street Journal (WSJ), citing sources familiar with the matter, reported that hostilities between Israel and Palestine could cease as early as the 21st.

Earlier, the Biden administration also strongly urged Israel and Palestine to agree to a ceasefire within this week. During a call with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, President Biden pressured him to accept the ceasefire plan, stating, "I expect a significant step toward de-escalation leading to a ceasefire today."

Despite this U.S. pressure, Prime Minister Netanyahu publicly emphasized his unwavering intention to continue hostilities. At a press conference following his call with President Biden, Netanyahu stated, "We will continue operations until the goal of restoring Israel's peace and security is achieved," expressing no intention to enter a ceasefire state.

However, as bilateral behind-the-scenes negotiations led by the U.S. and Egypt progressed, forecasts emerged that the Israeli government would find it difficult to prolong the conflict, increasing the possibility that Israel would accept a ceasefire plan. Ultimately, Netanyahu's statement about "continuing operations" is seen not as a genuine intent to continue fighting but as a political message aimed at rallying domestic support and a warning to the Palestinian armed group Hamas.

Earlier, Musa Abu Marzouk, a senior Hamas official, also raised expectations for a ceasefire by positively indicating international mediation efforts by the U.S., Egypt, and others in an interview with Lebanon's Mayadeen TV, stating, "A ceasefire is expected within a day or two."

Egyptian authorities are also reported to have proposed various measures to Hamas for halting hostilities, including options for an unconditional ceasefire or a temporary halt to fighting before a peace agreement is concluded.

Meanwhile, according to the United Nations (UN), at least 219 Palestinian civilians have died since the outbreak of hostilities between Israel and Palestine, including 63 children.

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