"Extending the Israel-Hamas Cease-Fire: A Wise Move for Peace"

The United States and Israel are at odds over whether to extend the cease-fire in the war on Hamas. President Joe Biden wants to prolong the pause in fighting to minimize casualties among Gazan civilians and allow aid to flow in, while Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his emergency war Cabinet want to resume the fighting. Extending the cease-fire would require Hamas to release all hostages, and moderate Arab countries need to get involved in Gaza and strengthen the Palestinian Authority to de-fang Hamas. Netanyahu's departure is seen as key to resolving the conflict, as his government has expanded settlements and shown no interest in negotiating a peaceful solution. Stopping the war would also help combat the rise in antisemitic incidents and the risk of Islamist attacks in the West.