Blinken urges for an end to negotiations regarding a ceasefire in Gaza.
There's a possibility for a long-lasting truce in Gaza thanks to the US plan, but it's not yet ready for an announcement. Hamas is insisting on some modifications. US Secretary of State Blinken hasn't completely dismissed new demands from Hamas for a ceasefire in Gaza. Some of the alterations suggested for the US-led ceasefire are feasible, while others are not, stated Blinken in Qatar. The negotiators are attempting to merge the agreement into a single package.
Blinken expressed his belief that the discrepancies could be ironed out. "Yet, that doesn't always happen, as it's ultimately up to Hamas. We're committed to bridging the gap." He reiterated this by saying, "The longer this continues, the more people will suffer." "It's time to end the fighting."
Blinken refrained from revealing what specific demands the Hamas has proposed and which he considers feasible. The Hamas and the smaller organization Islamic Jihad released information on Tuesday that they've provided several amendment requests to the mediators. Amid these requests, there are requirements for guarantees of a permanent ceasefire and a complete Israeli troop withdrawal from Gaza, according to a Hamas spokesperson.
Blinken is aiming for a breakthrough during his current trip to the region as part of the negotiations. The ceasefire proposal has been met with international skepticism, and the conditions of the agreement have also faced opposition in Israel. As per US reports, the government headed by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has agreed to the proposal, though his statements cast doubt on whether it's true.
Blinken remarked that looking at the demands from Hamas, the current proposal is nearly the same as one the militant-Islamist Palestinian organization accepted in early May. He raised a question – if new demands are made, one may wonder if there's still goodwill for a solution.
The deputy prime minister and foreign minister of Qatar, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani, said both sides have occasionally displayed unfavorable behavior during the negotiations.
The current proposal includes a three-step strategy commencing with a six-week truce and the release of numerous abductees in exchange for Palestinian prisoners. The Israeli army would retreat from the densely inhabited areas of the Gaza Strip, and the Palestinian civilian population would be enabled to return to their homes.
Biden requests 600 trucks with humanitarian aid daily
In the initial phase, plans are in place for the secure distribution of vast quantities of humanitarian aid throughout Gaza, which would lead to 600 trucks with humanitarian aid reaching Gaza daily, as per US President Joe Biden.
In parallel, negotiations for phase two were initiated, which aims to achieve "a lasting end to hostilities in exchange for the release of all remaining hostages in Gaza" and "a complete Israeli force withdrawal from the Gaza Strip." In the third phase, a wide-ranging reconstruction plan for the Gaza Strip and the return of the remains of all prisoners still in Gaza to their families would be initiated.
The Gaza War commenced after an unprecedented attack by Hamas on Israel on October 7th, which reportedly led to the death of 1194 people and the abduction of 251 individuals into Gaza, according to Israeli reports. 116 hostages are still being held by Hamas, as per the Israeli army, with 41 of them proclaimed dead.
In response, Israel has been involved in massive military operations in the Gaza Strip. As per the Hamas-controlled health ministry, more than 37,000 people were killed. # Reuters
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Blinken and Biden are working towards securing a ceasefire in Gaza, with Biden requesting daily delivery of 600 trucks with humanitarian aid. The proposed ceasefire includes a three-step strategy, starting with a six-week truce and the release of abductees, followed by an Israeli troop withdrawal and reconstruction efforts. However, Hamas has proposed new demands, including guarantees for a permanent ceasefire and full Israeli withdrawal, causing delays in the agreement. Blinken, during his Middle East trip, aims to bridge the gap between the two sides and end the hostilities, but Israel's Netanyahu has shown skepticism. Qatar, a mediator in the negotiations, has expressed concern over unfavorable behavior from both sides. The Gaza War began with a Hamas attack on Israel, resulting in numerous deaths and abductions, with 116 hostages still being held by Hamas.
