US Secretary of State Antony Blinken’s ninth visit to Israel since the Gaza war began in October has intensified efforts to secure a ceasefire and the release of hostages. Blinken described the current moment as ‘decisive’ and possibly ‘the last opportunity to bring the hostages home, achieve a ceasefire, and put everyone on the path to durable peace and security’. Despite cautious optimism following recent talks in Doha, significant obstacles remain.Hamas has rejected the latest US proposal, accusing Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of ‘obstructing’ the negotiations by imposing new conditions. A key point of contention is Netanyahu’s insistence on maintaining an Israeli military presence along the Gaza-Egypt border, known as the Philadelphi Corridor. Hamas demands a complete Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, including this area.The humanitarian situation in Gaza continues to deteriorate, with the death toll surpassing 40,000, according to Hamas-controlled health authorities. Approximately 40% of the victims are reported to be children.In a positive development, Netanyahu has agreed to send a negotiation team to Cairo in the coming days for further talks. The US is pushing for Israel to accept at least the first phase of the agreement, which would include the release of dual-nationality hostages.As negotiations are set to resume in Cairo, both sides continue to accuse each other of obstructing the peace process. The international community watches closely, hoping for a breakthrough, but the divergent positions of the parties involved suggest that reaching a final agreement may still require significant effort and compromise.
Key points
- US Secretary of State Antony Blinken describes current negotiations as possibly the ‘last opportunity’ for a Gaza ceasefire and hostage release.
- Hamas rejects the latest US proposal, accusing Netanyahu of obstructing negotiations.
- Netanyahu agrees to send a negotiation team to Cairo for further talks.
- The death toll in Gaza surpasses 40,000, with 40% of victims reportedly being children.
Contradictions👾While Netanyahu’s office described the meeting with Blinken as ‘positive’ and ‘constructive’, Hamas accuses Netanyahu of putting obstacles in the way of a ceasefire deal.
