'It's looking tough', Biden says on ceasefire in Gaza by Ramadan
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US President Joe Biden expresses his concern about the possibility of violence in occupied al-Quds as the Muslim holy month of Ramadan approaches.
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US President Joe Biden speaks at a campaign event in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on March 8, 2024. (Photo by Jim WATSON / AFP)
US President Joe Biden acknowledged Friday that it would be "tough" to secure a ceasefire between the Palestinian Resistance in the Gaza Strip and "Israel" by the Muslim holy month of Ramadan.
"It's looking tough," Biden told reporters when asked if a deal to halt the five-month-old war could be achieved by Ramadan, which is due to start as early as Sunday depending on the sighting of the moon.
The US President added that "I sure am" worried about the possibility of violence in occupied al-Quds as Ramadan approaches, adding to a similar warning earlier this week of a "very, very dangerous" situation if no ceasefire is achieved by the holy month.
During his State of the Union address on Friday, Biden claimed that his administration has been "working nonstop to establish an immediate ceasefire that would last for six weeks."
According to him, the six-week truce would ensure the release of the captives held in Gaza, "ease the intolerable humanitarian crisis, and build toward something more enduring."
Earlier on Friday, Abu Obeida, the spokesperson for al-Qassam Brigades, the military wing of the Hamas movement, pushed for continued confrontations and expanded mobilization in the month of Ramadan, in the West Bank, occupied '48 territories, Lebanon, Yemen, Iraq, and other Islamic and Arab nations to end the genocide against the Palestinian people.
He called "upon all the sons of our people in the West Bank, al-Quds, and the occupied Palestinian territories in 1948 to mobilize and march toward al-Aqsa Mosque, stand firm there, and not allow the occupation to impose its [policies in the holy site]."
Fearing a ticking bomb in the occupied West Bank and yielding to calls from the US administration, Israeli occupation authorities announced they will allow as many worshippers to access the al-Aqsa Mosque in occupied al-Quds during the first week of the holy month of Ramadan as in previous years.
Abu Obeida also underlined that there would be no compromise on the movement's demand that the Israeli occupation forces fully withdraw from the Gaza Strip.
US pressuring to reach ceasefire deal before Ramadan: Israeli media
Israeli media reported on Friday that the United States is attempting to broker an agreement between "Israel" and Hamas for a prisoner exchange deal, possibly the final opportunity before Ramadan.
The Israeli Channel 12's diplomatic affairs correspondent, Yaron Avraham, reported that "CIA Director William Burns is expected to visit the region in the coming days."
"During his visit, he will hold discussions in Egypt and Qatar, with the possibility of also visiting Israel. These engagements are part of US efforts to exert pressure and influence in the region."
A political source told the Israeli channel that the likelihood of a successful outcome is low, as the Palestinian Resistance is not compromising on Gaza Strip residents returning to their homes in northern Gaza.
Additionally, Hamas is also sticking by its demands on the release of Palestinian detainees in large numbers, especially as the Israeli occupation has arrested thousands since October 7. Yet, "Israel" perceives these conditions as significant obstacles to reaching an agreement, the source mentioned.
This situation has led to a deadlock, characterized by what the source describes as "two bosses".
Palestinian factions call for a 'Ramadan Flood'
Palestinian factions had called for an official global and popular movement on national, regional, and international levels during the month of Ramadan under the title of "Ramadan Flood".
In a statement, the factions announced that this movement is an act of resistance against the Israeli occupation, intended as a form of pressure on the latter to end its genocide against Gaza to thwart the occupation's vile plans and support the Palestinian cause.
They further stressed that this "International Flood" should reinforce boycotting in all its forms, from halting all supplies to the occupation, initiating strikes and protests in public squares, to organizing rallies in all capitals and cities.
The Palestinian factions emphasized their absolute engagement in resisting "Israel", urging various forms of resistance in all arenas and fronts.
The statement also highlighted the rights of the Palestinian people to freedom, self-determination, return to their land, and establishment of their own independent state with al-Quds as its capital.
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