US official reveals plan for Rafah crossing amid stalled talks: WashPo
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A senior US official disclosed that a Palestinian force trained by the US is likely to secure the Rafah crossing, with the EU prepared to resume its monitoring role.
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Israeli occupation forces vehicles transport a group of Israeli occupation soldiers and journalists inside the southern Gaza Strip, Palestine, July 3, 2024. (AP)
A senior US official has disclosed that the formation of a Palestinian force trained by the United States is emerging as the most likely US-led solution for securing the Rafah crossing, as reported by The Washington Post. This development aligns with the European Union's readiness to resume its role in monitoring the Rafah crossing in cooperation with the Palestinian Authority, according to the US-based newspaper.
Furthermore, it was noted that Israeli occupation Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who is dealing with significant political challenges, is reportedly determined to keep Israeli occupation forces in the Philadelphi Corridor. The Washington Post highlighted that this position has become a major obstacle to reaching a ceasefire agreement and facilitating the release of IOF captives, according to current and former officials involved in the mediation.
After months of unsuccessful negotiations, US President Joe Biden and US Vice President Kamala Harris met with their advisors on Monday to discuss the next steps. The Washington Post reported that they are contemplating presenting a final "take it or leave it" proposal to "Israel" and Hamas, potentially as soon as this week.
The Washington Post, after speaking with nine current and former officials from the negotiating countries, pointed out increasing frustration with the lack of progress and growing pessimism about the chances of reaching an agreement, with the most significant point remaining being Netanyahu's insistence on keeping Israeli forces in the Philadelphi Corridor.
In response, two senior US officials warned that if "Israel" and Hamas reject the "take it or leave it" deal, it could mark the end of US-led negotiations. Meanwhile, a former Egyptian official mentioned that Cairo would welcome the European Union's presence at the Rafah crossing.
US says 'Israel' agreed to withdraw from parts of Philadelphi Corridor
The death of six Israeli captives, whose bodies were discovered by the Israeli military over the weekend in Gaza, highlights the critical need for a ceasefire in the Palestinian enclave and the release of the remaining captives, the White House emphasized on Tuesday.
"Clearly what happened over the weekend underscores how important it is to get this done as quickly as possible," White House National Security spokesperson John Kirby told reporters in a briefing, blaming Hamas for the killings.
US officials are working on what some have described as a final proposal regarding a ceasefire and prisoner exchange between Hamas and "Israel", but Kirby claimed that Washington is not advocating a "take it or leave it" approach.
He said the US is developing a proposal that aims to secure the release of the remaining captives "and will include massive and immediate relief for the people of Gaza and also result in a stoppage of the fighting," without providing a specific timeline for when the proposal would be formally presented.
US President Joe Biden said Monday that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was not doing enough to secure a deal.
"We are still in constant consultations with Qatar, Egypt and Israel, and of course, Qatar and Egypt are in touch with Hamas, and we're going to do what we can to get it done," indicated Kirby.
Read more: Al-Qassam releases new captive video; thousands protest in Tel Aviv
