TEL AVIV, Israel (WSN) — On Monday, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken emphasized the urgent need to finalize a Gaza cease-fire agreement that would secure the release of hostages held by Hamas and alleviate the suffering of Palestinians after ten months of intense conflict.
Blinken’s visit, his ninth to the region since the conflict began, comes shortly after renewed optimism from mediators, including the U.S., that a deal is close. However, Hamas has voiced significant dissatisfaction with the latest proposal, and Israel has indicated areas where it is not prepared to compromise.
Blinken’s trip precedes upcoming talks in Egypt and is driven by concerns that the conflict could expand into a broader regional war, particularly following the killing of key militant leaders in Lebanon, which Iran attributes to Israel.
“This is a critical moment, perhaps the best or even the last chance to secure the release of hostages, achieve a cease-fire, and pave the way for lasting peace and security,” Blinken stated at the start of his discussions with Israeli President Isaac Herzog in Tel Aviv.
Blinken also urged all parties to avoid actions that could derail the process, hinting at Iran’s potential influence. “We’re working to ensure no escalation or provocations that could derail the negotiations or escalate the conflict further,” he added.
President Herzog expressed gratitude for the Biden administration’s support but also noted recent attacks on Israelis. “This is our reality now,” Herzog remarked. “We face terrorism from all directions and are responding as a strong and resilient nation.”
Mediators from Egypt, Qatar, and the U.S. are expected to meet again in Cairo this week to finalize the cease-fire terms. Blinken will continue to Egypt on Tuesday after his meetings in Israel with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Yoav Gallant.
The conflict, which began on October 7 when Hamas militants attacked Israel, has resulted in approximately 1,200 Israeli deaths and the abduction of around 250 people, with around 110 still believed to be in Gaza. Israel’s counteroffensive has claimed over 40,000 Palestinian lives and caused widespread destruction in Gaza.
Recent reports from the mediators suggest progress towards a deal where Israel would cease most military operations and release some Palestinian prisoners in return for the release of hostages.
Netanyahu stated there are flexible areas in negotiations and others where Israel remains firm, emphasizing that negotiations are not just about concessions.
The proposed agreement includes a three-phase process where Hamas would release all hostages in exchange for Israeli withdrawal from Gaza and the release of Palestinian prisoners. However, Hamas has accused Israel of adding new demands, such as maintaining a military presence along the Gaza-Egypt border and a line within Gaza itself, which Israel describes as clarifications of previous proposals.
Hamas criticized the latest proposal as a capitulation to Israeli demands and accused Netanyahu of trying to prolong the war.
Blinken urged both sides to seize the opportunity to reach an agreement. “It is time for everyone to agree and avoid making excuses,” he said.
An Israeli delegation also met with Egyptian officials as part of the truce negotiations, focusing on the Gaza-Egypt border but not achieving significant progress, according to an Egyptian official. The official indicated that Israel still insists on controlling the border and the internal Gaza route, with no new offers presented during the meeting.
