Vice President Kamala Harris expressed optimism about a potential ceasefire agreement in the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict, despite reports of negotiations being at risk of collapsing again.
Meanwhile, relatives of Israeli hostages are urging American Jewish leaders to pressure Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to agree to a deal.
During a campaign event in Pennsylvania ahead of the Democratic National Convention, Harris was asked about Netanyahu’s willingness to agree to a deal that would halt the violence and secure the release of Israeli hostages held by Hamas. She reaffirmed her commitment to achieving a ceasefire.
Efforts for a deal seemed promising on Friday after months of conflict and failed talks. Reports suggested that Iran would hold off on attacking Israel if a ceasefire was reached, and President Joe Biden stated that they were closer to an agreement than ever before.
On Saturday, a large rally took place in Tel Aviv calling for a ceasefire, the release of hostages, and early elections. The families of the hostages also appealed to the Jewish Federations of North America to support the deal proposed by the US government.
However, by Sunday, negotiations appeared to be faltering once again. Hamas rejected the proposed deal, accusing Netanyahu of adding new conditions that the US had supposedly agreed to. Hamas insisted on a permanent ceasefire, while Israel opposed this demand. Disputes also arose over the control of strategic areas in the Gaza Strip.
Netanyahu acknowledged the challenges in reaching a deal, citing disagreements over a permanent ceasefire and control of certain territories. Israeli media reported internal disagreements among negotiators and urged Netanyahu to be more flexible in the negotiations.
Despite the setbacks, Netanyahu affirmed his commitment to achieving a deal that would prioritize the safety of the hostages and meet Israel’s objectives in the conflict.
The situation remains tense as both sides navigate the complexities of the negotiations, with the hope of reaching a resolution to end the violence and secure the release of the hostages.