US President Joe Biden is set to launch a renewed push for a ceasefire in Gaza and a hostage release deal. This effort follows a truce between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon, according to his national security adviser, Jake Sullivan. Sullivan indicated that Hamas is under increased pressure to negotiate due to Hezbollah’s cessation of hostilities in support of the Palestinian militant group.
Biden’s discussions with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu took place immediately before the announcement of the US- and French-brokered truce with Hezbollah on Tuesday. During the conversation, they agreed to pursue a potential Gaza truce. Sullivan shared with MSNBC that President Biden plans to begin this diplomatic effort by engaging with Turkey, Qatar, Egypt, and other stakeholders in the region.
The Israel-Hezbollah deal marks a rare diplomatic victory for Biden ahead of his transition from the White House to Donald Trump’s administration on January 20, 2025. In a statement on social media, Biden confirmed plans for increased US involvement in seeking a resolution in Gaza, emphasizing the goals of achieving a ceasefire, the release of hostages, and eliminating Hamas from power.
Biden further highlighted his administration’s commitment to pursuing a long-discussed normalization of relations between Israel and Saudi Arabia, expressing optimism that peace is achievable. His sentiments were echoed by US envoy Amos Hochstein, who noted that the recent Lebanon deal could pave the way for a similar agreement in Gaza. Hochstein outlined that with the truce, Israel is engaged in a “one-front war,” which places additional urgency on Hamas to come to the negotiating table.
Additionally, Hochstein mentioned that Biden’s administration is maintaining communication with the incoming Trump administration regarding this critical issue.
