A Democratic lawmaker expressed confidence in the possibility of a six-week cessation of hostilities between Israel and Hamas, as well as the potential release of Israeli captives, after speaking with negotiators in Egypt and Qatar.
Rep. Josh Gottheimer (D-N.J.) expressed optimism that a short-term pause in the conflict could be achievable after returning from a recent visit to the area.
On Thursday, President Biden urged Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to authorize his negotiators to reach an agreement with Hamas that would enable a significant increase in aid delivery to Gaza and ensure the release of hostages held by Hamas.
The U.S. has been collaborating with Israel, Qatar, and Egypt for months in negotiating with Hamas for a ceasefire, with discussions in Cairo this week and weekend aimed at finalizing a deal.
Gottheimer stated, “All the parties I know are working around the clock to make it happen.” Edan Alexander, a dual American-Israeli and Israel Defense Forces (IDF) soldier and constituent of Gottheimer, has been held captive by Hamas since being abducted during an attack on Israel on Oct. 7.
While it's believed that Hamas is holding about 100 Israelis captive, it is uncertain how many remain alive.
Gottheimer mentioned that in his discussions with negotiators, it seemed that all parties were fully engaged and focused on the talks, but he expressed concern about recent reports regarding Hamas's involvement.
Gottheimer shared, “I just read some news coming out saying that Hamas had rejected the latest round of offerings and exchanges. Which right now, unfortunately, as the negotiator explained to me, there was a lot of this back and forth. I saw the negotiations going on in real time.”
A member of Hamas stated on Thursday that there had been no progress and blamed Netanyahu for hindering the talks.
Hamas has reportedly requested a complete withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza, a permanent ceasefire, the return of displaced Palestinians to northern Gaza, and a substantial increase in humanitarian aid. It is also demanding the release of an unspecified number of Palestinian prisoners held in Israeli jails.
The Biden administration has recognized that Hamas has previously suggested unacceptable terms and has not always been sincere in negotiations. However, Biden's comments to Netanyahu indicated a more assertive stance from the White House regarding the challenge posed by the Israeli leader in the negotiations. Netanyahu has advocated for maintaining military pressure on Hamas as a means of securing the release of captives but has seen little to no success.
The IDF has managed to rescue at least three captives held by Hamas. However, the IDF mistakenly shot and killed three individuals who had escaped from Hamas on their own. In November, a week-long ceasefire between Israel and Hamas resulted in the release of over 100 captives by Hamas.
—Updated at 4:10 p.m.
