It has been reported that during the 2014 Gaza conflict, the White House pressed Israel to rethink its strategy as part of a proposed 72-hour cease-fire. The U.S. reportedly urged Israel to change its focus from just bombing Hamas targets from the air to aiming both at more pinpoint ground operations against militant leaders, and at developing economic opportunities for Gaza’s residents to create political space for Palestinian leaders. The White House also reportedly demanded that Hamas agree to an extended ceasefire period, in which it would cease all rocket attacks with a promise of no retaliation from Israel. However, negotiations failed and the proposed cease-fire was disregarded by both sides.
