- Israel acknowledges cessation of hostilities proposal, pending Hamas' approval
According to reports, Israel has conceded to the recent truce proposal, which has U.S. backing, as stated by U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken. Now, it's on Hamas to reciprocate and accept the proposal, Blinken mentioned during his visit to Israel. He described his interaction with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as "productive".
Netanyahu communicated to Blinken during their "productive meeting" on Monday that Israel is prepared to adopt the proposal for a truce. Blinken expressed support for this decision. However, it's now Hamas' turn to comply.
Before meeting with Netanyahu, Blinken met with Israeli President Isaac Herzog. He requested both parties to seize this "potentially final opportunity" for a truce. "This is a critical juncture, maybe the most crucial, perhaps the last opportunity for a truce and the recovery of the hostages," he said.
Efforts to reconcile in the Gaza clash
Blinken touched down in Israel on Sunday, making his ninth trip to the region since the Hamas assault on Israel and the subsequent Gaza conflict, which occurred ten months ago. On Tuesday, he is scheduled to visit Egypt, followed by a trip to Qatar.
The three intermediaries – the U.S., Egypt, and Qatar – have been striving for several months to negotiate a peace agreement between Israel and Hamas. The U.S. unveiled a new compromise proposal to the involved parties just a few days back. In a joint statement, the mediators declared that the proposal bridged "outstanding issues".
The U.S., as stated in Blinken's visit, has been backing the recent truce proposal between Israel and Hamas. After Netanyahu and Blinken's productive meeting, Israel has expressed its readiness to adopt the proposed truce.
