In a significant development in the ongoing Gaza conflict, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken announced on Monday that Israel has accepted a US-backed proposal for a ceasefire and hostage release in Gaza. This announcement came after a lengthy meeting between Blinken and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, which lasted approximately 2.5 to 3 hours.Blinken described the meeting as ‘very constructive,’ stating that Netanyahu confirmed Israel’s support for the proposal presented by the US last week in Doha. The proposed agreement includes a six-week ceasefire and the release of some of the 111 hostages held in Gaza. Blinken emphasized the urgency of the situation, describing it as ‘probably the best, maybe the last chance to bring the hostages home, achieve a ceasefire, and bring everyone on a better path to lasting peace and security’.However, significant challenges remain. Blinken stressed that the next crucial step is for Hamas to accept the proposal. Hamas has previously criticized the latest proposal, considering it a concession to Israeli demands. The militant group has accused Netanyahu of creating obstacles by making new demands, such as Israeli control over two strategic corridors within the Gaza Strip.In an effort to advance negotiations, Netanyahu has committed to sending a negotiating team to Cairo by the end of the week. Meanwhile, Blinken is set to travel to Egypt and Qatar to continue diplomatic efforts. The US Secretary of State emphasized that even if Hamas accepts the proposal, negotiators will need to work on ‘clear understandings on implementing the agreement’ in the coming days.As the international community watches closely, Blinken has called on all parties to avoid actions that could escalate tensions and expand the scope of violence. He stressed that a permanent ceasefire in Gaza is the best way to secure the release of hostages and alleviate the suffering of Palestinians.
Key points
- Israel has accepted a US-backed proposal for a ceasefire and hostage release in Gaza.
- The proposal includes a six-week ceasefire and the release of some of the 111 hostages held in Gaza.
- Hamas’s acceptance of the proposal is crucial for progress, but the group has previously criticized it.
- Blinken describes this as possibly ‘the last opportunity’ for a truce and hostage release.
Contradictions👾While Blinken announced Israel’s acceptance of the ceasefire proposal, Hamas has previously criticized it as a concession to Israeli demands, creating uncertainty about the proposal’s viability.
