Biden aired Gaza truce deal without Israel’s permission: officials

U.S. President Joe Biden announced a Gaza ceasefire proposal developed by Israel and the United States without first obtaining agreement from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, according to three U.S. officials. This unusual move was intentional, aiming to limit the ability of Israel or Hamas to reject the deal. The proposal includes a six-week ceasefire, Israeli military withdrawal from Gaza’s populated areas, and the release of some hostages while negotiating a permanent end to hostilities. Biden’s framing of the proposal as an Israeli offer was meant to increase pressure on Netanyahu to accept it. However, an Israeli official insisted that Israel would not be swayed by external pressure and that the focus should be on Hamas. National Security Council spokesman John Kirby denied that the U.S. administration was trying to pressure the Israeli leader.

Source – CGTN