U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken continued his diplomatic efforts in Israel on Wednesday, pushing for a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas. During his meetings with Israeli leaders, Blinken emphasized that "the time is now" for a deal that would not only pause the ongoing conflict but also ensure the release of hostages held by Hamas. He placed the responsibility squarely on Hamas for any potential setbacks in the negotiations, highlighting their rejection of numerous Israeli proposals backed by Hamas sponsor Qatar, which included significant concessions from Israel.
Blinken's visit—the seventh since the conflict began in October—aims to mediate a resolution to prevent an Israeli military action in Rafah, a key area in southern Gaza where a large number of Palestinians have sought refuge. Despite the gravity of the discussions, which seemed to advance towards serious negotiations, a major sticking point remains unresolved: the conditions under which the conflict would conclude.
Blinken focuses his criticism entirely on Hamas, not Israel, during his meeting w @Isaac_Herzog. It's a change from recent visits, indicating that the US (and others) are fed up with Hamas rejections of hostage deal offers & like what Isr has done on humanitarian front.
— Lazar Berman (@Lazar_Berman) May 1, 2024
>>> pic.twitter.com/jubV3KPIOW
In Tel Aviv, Blinken conveyed to Israeli President Isaac Herzog his commitment to securing a ceasefire that would "bring the hostages home now," blaming Hamas for any failure in achieving this. He underscored the urgency of the situation, stating, "There is a proposal on the table, and as we’ve said, no delays, no excuses."
Moreover, the proposed deal would facilitate the entry of critical humanitarian aid into Gaza, addressing the dire needs for food, medicine, and water amidst the humanitarian crisis that has ensued from the conflict, displacing a vast portion of the population.
During his visit, Blinken also met with families of American hostages and engaged with demonstrators outside his hotel who were advocating for the immediate release of hostages. He reassured them that freeing their loved ones was central to the U.S. efforts.
Herzog expresses concerns about ICC warrants in Blinken meeting: Secretary of State Blinken is also expected to meet with National Unity MKs Benny Gantz and Gadi Eisenkot https://t.co/RNX3qw5WET JPost pic.twitter.com/LlbXTuz73F
— Jewish Community (@JComm_NewsFeeds) May 1, 2024
Blinken’s regional tour included stops in Saudi Arabia and Jordan, where he pressed Hamas to accept what he described as an "extraordinarily generous" proposal from Israel. According to the State Department, Blinken plans to visit an Israeli port that serves as a conduit for aid into Gaza.
The U.S. has consistently supported Israel since the onset of hostilities following Hamas' unprecedented attack on southern Israel on October 7. However, it has voiced increasing concern over the impact of the conflict on Palestinian civilians in Gaza, particularly criticizing any potential large-scale military operations in Rafah, where about 1.5 million Palestinians are sheltering.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, despite international concerns, has reaffirmed his intention to conduct a military operation in Rafah, which he identifies as a critical stronghold of Hamas. The discussions facilitated by the U.S., Egypt, and Qatar are exploring a deal that might see the release of numerous hostages in exchange for a six-week halt in hostilities, setting the stage for further negotiations.
The key issue complicating the ceasefire talks involves Hamas' demand for a comprehensive plan to end the Israeli offensive and a full withdrawal from Gaza after the hostages are released. Israel, on the other hand, is only offering an extended pause, intending to resume military actions if necessary.
Who will be the first “ceasefire now” member of Congress to echo Secretary Blinken?
— AIPAC (@AIPAC) April 30, 2024
Why haven’t they?
Quick to criticize Israel, silent on pressuring Hamas.
Was it ever about a ceasefire or just about demonizing Israel? pic.twitter.com/ZTUSPHMRkd
As the negotiations continue, an Egyptian official reported that Hamas has requested further clarification on the terms of the ceasefire, specifically regarding the resettlement of displaced persons and a phased withdrawal of Israeli forces. This request for detailed conditions indicates potential delays in reaching an agreement.
