Biden: Hamas now ‘has choice to make’ in Gaza, Israel faces ‘hard choices’ on Saudi normalization

US President Joe Biden turns to the ongoing war in Gaza, saying Palestinians in Gaza deserve a similar end to conflict.

“The people of Gaza have been through hell, their worlds absolutely shattered, far too many civilians in Gaza have suffered far too much,” Biden says.

While hinting at criticism of Israel in that remark, Biden is explicit in his blaming of Hamas for refusing to negotiate in good faith for months.

“Now, Hamas has a choice to make. Their only way out is to release the hostages, including American citizens,” Biden says, adding the deal the US is promoting would allow for a surge of humanitarian aid into Gaza and result in an “end of the war without Hamas in power.”

Biden says the US, Egypt, Qatar — and now Turkey as well — will make another push for a ceasefire in Gaza. This is the first time he is adding Turkey into the equation, ostensibly since Hamas leaders landed there after Qatar ousted them from Doha. Qatar announced that it was temporarily ending its mediation efforts shortly after it confirmed ousting Hamas leaders in late October. Doha has not since announced a resumption of its mediating role.

The Lebanon ceasefire moves the Biden administration closer to its vision for a more integrated Middle East — one that includes the establishment of a demilitarized Palestinian state alongside Israel, the president says.

To that end, Biden says the US remains prepared to broker a normalization agreement between Israel and Saudi Arabia, which would include “a credible pathway for establishing a Palestinian state.”

Israel has repeatedly rejected the two-state framework, and a pair of US lawmakers told The Times of Israel months ago that the window to secure a deal before the end of Biden’s term in office has closed.

Nonetheless, Biden says, “I believe this agenda remains possible. In my remaining time in office, I will work tirelessly to advance this vision.”

He acknowledges that a Saudi normalization deal will require Israel to make “hard choices.”

“Now, Israel must be bold in turning tactical gains against Iran and his proxies into a coherent strategy that secures Israel’s long term safety and advances of broader peace and prosperity in the region,” Biden says, in an apparent shot at Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who for months refused to plan at all for the post-war management of Gaza, while rejecting the involvement of a reformed Palestinian Authority, even though it would unlock much-needed support from Israel’s Arab neighbors for the post-war reconstruction and management of Gaza.

“I applaud the courageous decision made by the leaders of Lebanon and Israel to end the violence. It reminds us that peace is possible,” Biden says. “As long as that is the case, I’ll not for a single moment stop working to achieve it.”