The United States asserts that Hamas is causing the delay in the Gaza ceasefire, claiming Israel not only accepted but also crafted the proposal.

Since US President Joe Biden announced his ceasefire plan, his administration has consistently emphasized this point.

The US even presented this notion to the United Nations, where the Security Council endorsed a text indicating Israel's acceptance of the deal.

Is Hamas truly the hesitant party?

Hamas has responded positively to the proposal, suggesting changes without confirming their nature. In contrast, Israel has avoided stating its stance on the proposal.

Hamas has repeatedly expressed its support for a ceasefire and a desire to end hostilities in Gaza. The group’s political leader, Ismail Haniyeh, stated that their position aligns with the foundational principles of the ceasefire proposal.

Earlier in May, Hamas accepted an Egyptian-Qatari plan similar to the current proposal, with only minor differences.

How has Israel responded?

Israel's primary condition is the unyielding defeat of Hamas before any war cessation. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his government have refrained from confirming or denying the proposal’s authorship.

Netanyahu has labeled Biden's depiction of the proposal as “inaccurate” and “incomplete” in private meetings, yet the US continues to accuse Hamas. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and President Biden have reiterated Israel's acceptance and Hamas’s refusal to finalize the ceasefire.

Details of Biden’s proposal

The proposal outlines a three-phase plan beginning with a temporary halt to fighting and the release of captives, moving towards a permanent ceasefire through ongoing negotiations.

Why is Hamas hesitant?

Hamas seeks assurances to prevent Israel from abandoning the deal after the initial phase, driven by a lack of trust in Israel's commitment. The Palestinian group desires a permanent end to hostilities and Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, contrasting Israel’s military-centric goals.

US next steps

The US faces challenges in shifting from staunch Israeli support to advocating for an end to the war and contemplating post-war Gaza's future. President Biden is pressed for time as election season approaches, struggling to balance stopping the conflict, limiting Hamas’s power, and maintaining support for Israel.

There are hints that Netanyahu may want a deal, but internal political pressures, such as threats from coalition ministers, complicate his position.