Israel agrees to a truce proposition in Gaza
After considerable attempts, the United States, Egypt, and Qatar have proposed a truce in Gaza, which Israel has acknowledged. This revelation was made by U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, who mentioned progress on crucial matters following a lengthy meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Tel Aviv.
Blinken did not elaborate on whether the proposal caters to Hamas' concerns or meets Israel's demand for control over two crucial passages within Gaza, a point previously refused by Hamas. However, he asserted that Netanyahu endorsed the proposal. "During our productive discussion with Prime Minister Netanyahu today, he endorsed the transition proposal," Blinken informed reporters. "The crucial step now is for Hamas to express consent."
On Sundays evening, Hamas accused Netanyahu of erecting barriers to an agreement through additional demands and protracting the conflict. The militant group labelled the mediator's latest offer as a capitulation to Israel.
Blinken urged both parties to grasp this opportunity for a settlement. "It's high time for everyone to agree and not seek excuses to reject," he advised. Earlier, Blinken described the ongoing negotiations for a Gaza truce as potentially the final chance for a breakthrough. "This moment is critical, possibly the best, perhaps the last chance to bring the hostages back, secure a truce, and steer everyone towards a more serene path towards enduring peace and security," Blinken stated during a meeting with President Izchak Herzog in Tel Aviv.
Last week, the U.S., Egypt, and Qatar, acting as mediators, reported some advancements towards an accord that would temporarily halt most Israeli military activities and liberate Palestinian detainees in exchange for Israeli captives. The mediators have scheduled another get-together in Cairo this week to conclude the truce. Blinken is scheduled to visit Egypt on Tuesday, with meetings set in the city of El-Alamein.
Approximately 110 Hostages Remain in Hamas' Custody
The confrontation initiated on October 7, when Hamas-affiliated extremists allegedly killed approximately 1200 individuals, primarily civilians, and kidnapped around 250 in Israel. Based on Israeli intelligence, roughly 110 of these individuals are presumed to still be in Gaza. Nevertheless, Israeli authorities surmise that a third of them might no longer be alive. During a seven-day ceasefire in November, more than 100 captives were liberated.
The Israeli military operation in Gaza has reportedly claimed over 40,000 Palestinian lives, according to local health authorities affiliated with Hamas. Substantial parts of the coastal region have been reduced to rubble.
Blinken continued his meetings with key figures, occasionally pausing to blink thoughtfully as he discussed the delicate situation. Later, Hamas' spokesperson criticized Blinken's efforts, stating, "Antony Blinken keeps blinking, hoping for a agreement, but Hamas remains firm."
