Biden says Israel, Hamas agree on framework for Gaza ceasefire

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Hamas have agreed to a ceasefire framework in the Gaza Strip, confirmed by US President Joe Biden.

"Six weeks ago, I outlined a comprehensive framework to achieve a ceasefire and secure the release of hostages. While there's more work ahead on these complex issues, Israel and Hamas have now agreed to this framework. My team is making progress, and I'm committed to seeing this through," Biden wrote on the X social media platform, Caliber.Az reports citing foreign media.

This breakthrough follows Hamas's recent response to proposals Biden presented in late May, opening the door for a new round of indirect negotiations between the parties involved in the Gaza conflict. On July 3, Netanyahu's office and Israel's Mossad intelligence agency acknowledged receiving Hamas's response regarding a hostage agreement, with Israel's response currently under consideration. The following day, Hamas announced consultations by its Political Bureau Chief Ismail Haniyeh with Egypt, Qatar, and Türkiye to explore pathways toward resolving the Gaza crisis.

The Biden administration has faced international criticism for its stance in support of Israel amid increasing civilian casualties. This support has led to widespread protests across the United States against the war and US policies regarding Israel. Several US officials have resigned in protest against Biden's Gaza policy, while rights groups highlight a surge in anti-Semitic and Islamophobic incidents in the US linked to the conflict.

The recent escalation in the longstanding Israeli-Palestinian conflict erupted on October 7 with Hamas-led fighters launching attacks from Gaza into southern Israel, resulting in casualties and hostage-taking. According to Israeli sources, the conflict has claimed 1,200 lives and resulted in the capture of approximately 250 hostages. Meanwhile, the Gaza health ministry reports that Israel's offensive has led to over 38,000 Palestinian casualties, widespread displacement among the enclave's 2.3 million residents, severe food shortages, and allegations of genocide that Israel vehemently denies.