The Biden administration has intensified efforts to press Hamas into accepting the latest Israeli ceasefire and hostage proposal for Gaza.
Over the past week, U.S. officials have pushed Middle Eastern allies to issue specific threats to Hamas as part of a high-stakes campaign.
As U.S. officials continue to apply diplomatic pressure, the urgency is heightened by the approaching Democratic National Convention and mounting domestic backlash against the ongoing conflict. The success of this pressure campaign remains uncertain as negotiations continue.
Secretary of State Antony Blinken has engaged in numerous calls with regional leaders, while White House Middle East Coordinator Brett McGurk and CIA Director Bill Burns have visited Egypt and Qatar, respectively, to bolster negotiations.
Despite public calls from the U.S. for Hamas to accept the ceasefire, the group remains hesitant. On Wednesday, Hamas militants criticized the latest proposal, claiming it lacked the positive foundations outlined by President Biden and only offered a temporary ceasefire while allowing Israeli forces to remain in Gaza.
The U.S. strategy involves urging Qatar, Egypt, and Turkey to pressure Hamas by threatening to freeze their bank accounts and restrict their travel. Qatar, in particular, has been asked to expel Hamas if they reject the deal. State Department spokesperson Matt Miller confirmed significant pressure from both Egypt and Qatar but withheld specifics.
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