US lawmakers have reacted to a ceasefire deal between Israel and Hezbollah, with the Biden administration, Egypt, and Qatar attempting to secure a release for hostages and end the war between Israel and Hamas. The negotiations have been challenging, with Hamas demanding a full withdrawal and an end to fighting in exchange for releasing captives, while Netanyahu has committed only to a partial hostage release in exchange for a week-long halt in the fight. President Biden has emphasized the need for an immediate ceasefire and return of hostages, with humanitarian aid also being provided.
https://www.foxnews.com/world/biden-calls-immediate-ceasefire-call-israels-netanyahuUS President Joe Biden's administration has been criticized for its handling of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, particularly in relation to Israel's blockade of Gaza. The conflict has resulted in over 46,000 Palestinian deaths and a severe humanitarian crisis in the territory. Despite this, the US State Department has informed Congress of an $8 billion weapons sale to Israel, which has been met with criticism from pro-Palestinian activists who have demanded an arms embargo against Israel. Meanwhile, Biden's Middle East adviser Brett McGurk is working on a hostage and ceasefire deal as time runs out in the presidency. Former US State Department official Aaron David Miller has stated that the administration's approach has put Iran on its heels but will come at a reputational cost due to the devastation of Gaza.
https://thestar.com/news/world/united-states/biden-says-hes-leaving-trump-with-a-strong-hand-to-play-in-world-conflicts/article_e7ab819d-c90c-5b41-92e0-4a9c269a9b9a.htmlThe US government's relationship with Israel has been strained due to the high Palestinian death toll in the Gaza conflict, which has resulted in over 46,000 deaths. The US State Department has informed Congress of a planned $8 billion weapons sale to Israel, despite demands from pro-Palestinian activists for an arms embargo against the country. Former State Department Middle East negotiator Aaron David Miller stated that this approach has put pressure on Iran but will come at a reputational cost for President Biden due to the devastation in Gaza. The US is working towards securing the release of over 98 hostages, with around 30 presumed dead by Israeli authorities, and completing a hostage and ceasefire deal before the end of the presidency.
https://apnews.com/article/biden-foreign-policy-afghanistan-mideast-ukraine-russia-c774c706bdd2bf377dce6aaa0b90d841President Joe Biden's foreign policy legacy will be shaped by his handling of several international crises during his one-term presidency. Despite facing challenges such as the chaotic US withdrawal from Afghanistan and Russia's invasion of Ukraine, Mr. Biden has maintained that he has made strides in restoring American credibility on the world stage. His administration has provided billions of dollars in military and economic assistance to Ukraine, allowing it to stay in the fight against Russian President Vladimir Putin's forces. However, critics argue that Mr. Biden hesitated and dithered in his response to the crises, ultimately requiring a change in leadership to bring about a resolution. Daniel Fried, a former US Ambassador to Poland, said that Mr. Trump may succeed in bringing what many Americans can accept as "a decent end" to the Ukraine war. In the Middle East, Mr. Biden has stood by Israel as it has worked to root out Hamas from Gaza, but his relationship with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has been strained due to the high Palestinian death toll and Israel's blockade of the territory. The US State Department has informed Congress of a planned $8 billion weapons sale to Israel, which some have criticized as putting Iran on its heels. As time runs out in Mr. Biden's presidency, his Middle East adviser Brett McGurk is working to complete an elusive hostage and ceasefire deal with Hamas. Meanwhile, Mr. Trump has warned that "all hell" will be unleashed on Hamas if the hostages aren't freed by Inauguration Day.
https://www.thehindu.com/news/international/joe-biden-says-he-was-steady-hand-world-needed-after-donald-trump/article69094570.eceThe Hamas militant group has been able to regroup quickly after Israeli operations, maintaining control over a significant portion of the territory in Gaza despite internal rivalries. The US government under President Biden has pushed for a major agreement that would see a reformed Palestinian Authority govern post-war Gaza with the support of Arab and Muslim countries, including Saudi Arabia, which would also make historic ties with Israel. However, Arab and Muslim leaders say they will only sign such plans if they include a path towards forming a Palestinian state in the occupied West Bank, East Jerusalem - annexed by Israel - and Gaza, territories captured by Israel in the 1967 Six-Day War. The Israeli government opposes the creation of a Palestinian state and has ruled out any role for the Palestinian Authority in Gaza, with Prime Minister Netanyahu saying that Israel will maintain indefinite security control while delegating governance to politically independent Palestinians. However, no such individuals have come forward voluntarily, and Hamas has threatened anyone who cooperates with Israel on administering the territory.
https://apnews.com/article/gaza-israel-hamas-negociacion-obstaculos-rehenes-6e11724115a2472557a9e576021d8f82US President Biden's administration imposed aggressive sanctions on Russia's oil trade, specifically targeting around 160 tankers, which has led to a surge in oil tanker rates as traders seek alternative sources of crude and face supply chain disruptions. The move is set to take effect just before the incoming president Donald Trump takes office, adding to market uncertainty.
https://news.bloomberglaw.com/energy/oil-tanker-rates-soar-as-biden-sanctions-threaten-market-chaosUS President Joe Biden has implemented the most comprehensive package of sanctions yet to target Russia's oil and gas revenues, with the goal of stabilizing oil prices. According to his national security adviser Jake Sullivan, the sanctions are designed to give the US leverage in negotiations over the Ukraine war without placing a burden on American consumers.
https://www.khaleejtimes.com/world/americas/biden-sees-oil-prices-stabilising-after-sanctions-on-russian-oilThe US has imposed sanctions on Venezuelan officials, including President Nicolas Maduro, in response to his presidency being met with international condemnation. The Biden administration increased the reward for information leading to the arrest or conviction of Maduro on drug trafficking charges from $15 million to $25 million. Eight other officials, including Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello and Defence Minister Vladimir Padrino, have also been targeted by new sanctions. Maduro has rejected accusations of narcotics and corruption charges brought against him in 2020, with the Venezuelan government calling the sanctions an "economic war" designed to cripple the country's economy.
https://www.firstpost.com/world/with-25-mn-reward-on-his-capture-venezuelas-maduro-moots-brazil-led-liberation-of-puerto-rico-13852412.htmlThe Biden administration has proposed new export controls on graphics processing units (GPUs) that are commonly used in artificial intelligence (AI) applications, specifically targeting China. The move is part of the "AI diffusion rule" aimed at restricting the export of sensitive technology to certain countries. Semiconductor companies such as NVIDIA have spoken out against the new rule, which has been unveiled by the Biden administration.
https://engadget.com/ai/biden-proposes-new-export-controls-on-gpus-targeting-china-144022297.html