The United States is reportedly discussing a plan to deliver a final proposal for a ceasefire negotiation between the Palestinian armed group Hamas and Israel. However, there are predictions that if both sides do not accept the final proposal, the U.S.-led mediation efforts could come to an end.
On the 1st (local time), the U.S. daily The Washington Post cited an anonymous U.S. government official saying, "The United States plans to soon present a 'take it or leave it' final agreement." He added, "The U.S. has been discussing the outline of the final agreement to be presented to the parties within weeks with Egypt and Qatar."
The official hinted that if both sides do not accept this, the U.S.-led ceasefire negotiations could end. He said, "We cannot continue the negotiations," and "At some point in this process, a decision must be made."
Regarding the discovery of six hostages dead in the southern Gaza Strip the previous day, he said, "Will this cause the negotiations to go off track? No, it will not." He added, "This will only add urgency to the final stage of the negotiations we are already in."
The U.S. internet media Axios, citing sources familiar with the situation, reported that Jake Sullivan, White House National Security Advisor, held a video conference with the families of seven American hostages held by Hamas on the same day, and that President Joe Biden is considering delivering a final proposal on hostage release and ceasefire to both sides later this week.
One source told Axios that in relation to this, President Biden plans to convene a National Security Team meeting on the morning of the 2nd to decide on a strategy to apply final pressure for a negotiation settlement.
Axios also reported that following the hostage deaths in Gaza, there is a growing sense of urgency among Biden’s aides to push for an agreement as quickly as possible and to pressure both sides to accept it or else abandon the talks.
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