The Biden administration is in discussions with Israeli officials on how to protect the thousands of civilians who fled to southern Gaza in the event that the Israel Defense Forces target the area once the fighting with Hamas resumes. One senior US official mentioned that possible options include relocating the civilians who moved south at the beginning of the war back to the northern region once military operations have concluded. Despite the destruction from fighting and airstrikes, Israel has expressed its intent to continue its military operations in northern Gaza.
The IDF has cautioned displaced Palestinians not to return from the south, as moving civilians back north would pose a significant humanitarian challenge. Satellite analysis by independent researchers indicates that an estimated 40% to 50% of structures in northern Gaza have been damaged. This challenge is a major factor driving a push by US officials to increase humanitarian aid to northern Gaza. Additionally, there is emphasis on the need to designate protected areas for civilians in the south.
Israel is expected to shift its military focus to southern Gaza due to intelligence suggesting that the Hamas leadership has sought refuge in that region, according to a US official. The source of this intelligence, whether US or Israeli, was not disclosed.
The Biden administration, including President Joe Biden, has privately conveyed to Israeli officials their desire to avoid a return to the heavy air strikes that caused significant casualties and widespread devastation earlier in the conflict. Instead, they are urging Israel to exercise greater caution, care, and precision in their targeting.
It is uncertain whether Israel would ultimately agree, but some US officials are hopeful that Israel is at least open to considering such ideas. Another senior administration official stated, "There is a recognition that a different approach must be taken in the south compared to the north."
Amid the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict, US and Israeli officials have been in continuous communication about the IDF's military strategies. These discussions have gained new significance as the ceasefire, negotiated by the US, Qatar, and Egypt, may soon end. Israel has informed the US of its intention to shift its focus to the southern part of the enclave once the current pause in fighting concludes.
Israeli officials in Doha have expressed that the release of all hostages would not be sufficient to prompt a permanent ceasefire, even as discussions about extending the truce continue this week. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has publicly stated that Israel plans to resume its war efforts once the truce ends, with the goal of eliminating Hamas' ability to carry out attacks like the one on October 7.
Secretary of State Antony Blinken is upholding the Biden administration's efforts to extend the current "humanitarian pause," stating on Wednesday that its continuation would result in more hostages returning home and increased aid delivery.
"Clearly, this is something we desire, and I believe it is also what Israel desires," stated Blinken, who is scheduled to have meetings in Israel on Thursday.
After the release of women and children hostages, negotiations will persist to prolong the ceasefire in order to secure the release of other hostages, including elderly men, and eventually, adult civilians and soldiers.
The US pressure campaign coincides with Biden facing internal rifts within his own party regarding Israel. Democratic lawmakers are finding it challenging to come to a consensus on providing aid to Israel, as some are advocating for humanitarian-based stipulations. Conversely, opponents of attaching conditions to the aid have asserted that the administration is already deeply involved in collaborating with Israel to ensure compliance with international laws.
Bidens political team tweeted out a crucial statement from his recent speech, highlighting the urgency of a swift and peaceful resolution to the conflict. This statement stands in contrast to the president's initial unwavering backing of Israel's right to self-defense. "Hamas initiated a terrorist attack out of fear of Israelis and Palestinians coexisting peacefully. To perpetuate terror, violence, death, and war is to play into Hamas' hands. We cannot allow that," tweeted Bidens political account.
Biden is focusing on the necessity of safe zones in the South, such as hospitals and UN shelters, where civilians can gather without fear of bombardment, stated USAID Administrator Samantha Power in an interview with CNN's Kaitlan Collins. Power emphasized that detailed discussions on this matter are ongoing and that there is openness to this idea.
Regarding the aftermath of the war in Gaza, there are many unanswered questions, including who will assume governance of the enclave. Some of the United States' allies believe that Hamas cannot be entirely defeated through military means. However, there is recognition that Israel will not withdraw from Gaza until it is confident in the country's security, according to a senior European diplomat familiar with the situation.
The US has made it clear in public and private that it will not tolerate the re-occupation of Gaza. They have called for a unified Palestinian government, ultimately under a revamped Palestinian Authority. However, Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas, who is widely unpopular, has rejected the idea of taking over administration of Gaza after the Israeli incursion.
According to a senior European diplomat, one idea that has been proposed is the establishment of a multi-national security force for Gaza on a temporary basis. The diplomat mentioned that it would not be practical for Western troops to be a part of this force. Arab partners have shown little interest in being involved and have indicated that they would need to see a clear path towards a Palestinian state before considering participation, according to the diplomat.
Kaitlan Collins contributed to this story.
