Israeli officials revealed on Monday that the Biden administration had been secretly working with mediators to craft a Hamas ceasefire agreement without Israel’s knowledge. This agreement was aimed at preventing an attack on Hamas in Rafah.
As reported by Truth Voices, Israel had started its operation in Rafah and Hamas suddenly announced a ceasefire with terms that Israel had not offered. Israel saw this as a bluff to pressure them to abandon the operation, so they sent junior-level diplomats to Cairo to explore talks while continuing the fight in Rafah.
The White House reacted to Hamas’ announcement but did not disclose the details of the agreement, leaving reporters puzzled. Israeli officials claimed that the Biden administration was aware of the ceasefire deal negotiated by Egypt and Qatar with Hamas, but did not inform Israel. This move took Israel by surprise as the agreement contained new elements not previously agreed upon.
The Biden administration has been publicly against an Israeli attack on Rafah to protect civilians and to possibly use Hamas as leverage for a two-state solution. Negotiations on a ceasefire and hostage deal have stalled as Israel refuses to end the war and Hamas tries to include dead bodies in the count of hostages to be released.
Israeli spokesman David Mencer declined to comment on these reports but dismissed Hamas’ claim as an act of desperation. Despite the ceasefire announcement, Israel remains firm on its stance.
