According to the Wall Street Journal, multiple US officials are sceptical that a ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas in Gaza can be achieved before President Joe Biden leaves office in January. Top-level officials in the White House, State Department, and Pentagon expressed doubts about reaching a deal, citing obstacles such as the number of Palestinian prisoners Israel must release in exchange for each captive held by Hamas and rising tensions between Israel and Hezbollah. Despite this, officials in Washington have stated that they will continue to work towards an agreement. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken previously stated that 90 percent of a ceasefire deal had been agreed upon. The US has been working with mediators Qatar and Egypt to facilitate negotiations between Israel and Hamas. The conflict between Israel and Hamas began nearly a year ago, resulting in numerous casualties, displacements, and humanitarian crises in Gaza. President Biden has proposed a three-phase ceasefire plan, which Israel has reportedly agreed to. The ongoing violence has led to a dire situation in Gaza, with the US and other mediators continuing efforts to reach a ceasefire agreement.
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