US official reveals plan for Rafah crossing amid stalled talks: WashPo

A senior U.S. official has revealed that the establishment of a Palestinian force trained by the United States is emerging as the most probable solution led by the U.S. to secure the Rafah crossing, according to a report by the Washington Post. This move coincides with the European Union’s willingness to resume its monitoring role at the Rafah crossing in collaboration with the Palestinian Authority, as reported by the U.S.-based newspaper.

Moreover, it was highlighted that Israeli occupation Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who is facing significant political pressures, is reportedly committed to keeping Israeli occupation forces in the Philadelphi Corridor. The Washington Post emphasized that this stance has become a significant barrier to achieving a ceasefire agreement and facilitating the release of Israeli occupation forces captives, according to current and former officials involved in the mediation efforts.

After several months of unfruitful negotiations, U.S. President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris convened with their advisers on Monday to discuss the next steps. The Washington Post noted that they are considering presenting a final “take it or leave it” proposal to both “Israel” and Hamas, potentially as soon as this week.

The Washington Post, after interviewing nine current and former officials from the negotiating nations, highlighted growing frustration with the lack of progress and increasing pessimism about the possibility of reaching an agreement. The most significant issue remains Netanyahu’s insistence on maintaining Israeli occupation forces in the Philadelphi Corridor.

In response, two senior U.S. officials warned that if “Israel” and Hamas reject the “take it or leave it” deal, it could mark the end of U.S.-led negotiations. Meanwhile, a former Egyptian official mentioned that Cairo would welcome the European Union’s involvement at the Rafah crossing.

U.S. claims ‘Israel’ agreed to withdraw from parts of the Philadelphi Corridor

The death of six Israeli captives, whose bodies were found by the Israeli military over the weekend in Gaza, underscores the urgent 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 highlights the critical importance of resolving this as quickly as possible,” White House National Security spokesperson John Kirby stated during a briefing, attributing the killings to Hamas.

U.S. officials are developing what some have described as a final proposal concerning a ceasefire and prisoner exchange between Hamas and “Israel,” though Kirby asserted that Washington is not advocating a “take it or leave it” approach.

He stated that the U.S. is working on a proposal that aims to secure the release of the remaining captives “and will include significant and immediate relief for the people of Gaza, as well as result in a cessation of hostilities,” without providing a specific timeline for when the proposal would be formally presented.

U.S. President Joe Biden remarked on 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 contact with Hamas, and we will do whatever we can to get this done,” Kirby indicated.