Blinken urges Hamas to embrace the proposed agreement for a truce in Gaza's conflict.
If Hamas and its leaders genuinely have the Palestinian populace they claim to advocate for in mind, they should agree to this deal and work towards achieving concrete agreements on its execution, suggested Blinken. Implementing the current accord is the "swiftest, most advantageous, and most successful way" to alleviate the grievous torment endured by the Palestinians as a result of Hamas's assault on October 7 and the subsequent conflict, asserted the American diplomat.
Netanyahu expressed his intention to secure as many "living captives" as possible during the initial phase of the truce arrangement, according to his office, following his meeting with Blinken.
Before his meeting with Netanyahu, Blinken had engaged with Israeli President Isaac Herzog. During this session, he exhorted both parties not to allow this "potentially final" opportunity for a truce to evaporate. "This is a significant juncture," he said, "and perhaps the finest, perhaps the final chance for a truce and the recovery of hostages."
Blinken touched down in Israel on Sunday. This marked his ninth visit to the region since Hamas's attack on Israel and the subsequent conflict in the Gaza Strip ten months earlier. On Tuesday, he is slated to visit Egypt, with a trip to Qatar anticipated to follow.
In the Egyptian metropolis of Cairo, talks slated to recommence this week upon being reinitiated in the Qatari capital of Doha on Thursday and Friday. Blinken expressed hope of gathering insights from his Arab counterparts on Hamas's stance during his time in Cairo. Hamas had opted against partaking in the fresh round of discussions in Doha.
The three mediators have been endeavoring to secure a settlement between Israel and Hamas for several months. The US introduced a new compromise proposition to the disputing parties merely a few days ago. In a joint declaration by the US, Egypt, and Qatar, it was mentioned that the proposal served to bridge "lingering discrepancies."
The following discussions in Cairo this week are expected to provide Blinken with valuable insights regarding Hamas's stance. If Hamas refuses to engage in these talks, it may miss out on this crucial opportunity to contribute to a potential truce and the release of hostages.
