Palestine (Washington Insider Magazine) – US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has denounced Gaza ceasefire negotiations to failure by suggesting Hamas was the obstacle to a deal and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had accepted it, Israeli officials told local media. Blinken’s “optimistic” comments about the talks reportedly undermined the chances of an agreement, with officials describing his remarks as a significant setback.
At the heart of the negotiations is Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s demand to maintain control over two key areas: the Philadelphi Corridor and the Netzarim Corridor in Gaza. The Philadelphi Corridor is a 14-kilometre (8.69-mile) demilitarised buffer zone along the border between the Gaza Strip and Egypt, while the Netzarim Corridor separates the northern and southern regions of the Gaza Strip.
Despite Blinken’s assertion that Netanyahu had approved a U.S.-proposed plan for Israeli troop withdrawal, sources involved in the talks revealed that Blinken’s optimistic tone misrepresented the reality. They pointed out that his comments suggested Hamas was the primary obstacle to a deal, which may have inadvertently strengthened Netanyahu’s position and stalled the negotiations.
Israeli Officials Criticize Blinken’s Approach
Blinken’s response to the crisis was denounced by Israeli officials, who called it “naive” and “amateurish.” They said he was offering Netanyahu a “gift” by suggesting that the United States backs Israel’s military presence in the Philadelphi Corridor, a move that is opposed by Hamas and Egypt alike. The diplomats issued a dire warning, saying there was little chance of a ceasefire agreement or a scheduled summit in Cairo unless Israel modified its demands, according to MiddleEastEye.
Hamas Rejects New U.S. Proposal
On the other side, Hamas has rejected the latest U.S. ceasefire proposal, arguing that it deviates from the framework previously agreed upon in May. Hamas officials stated that the new plan, which was discussed in Qatar, included additional demands from Netanyahu that they found unacceptable. The group reiterated its commitment to an earlier proposal based on President Joe Biden’s outline and accused the U.S. of capitulating to Netanyahu’s demands.
Earlier reports indicated that Egypt and Israel had reached an understanding regarding Israel’s security presence along the Philadelphi Corridor. Potential options included maintaining Israeli troops in the area or replacing them with an underground barrier and electronic surveillance. However, any agreement would require the support of Palestinian factions, including Hamas, which remains unlikely under the current circumstances.
The situation remains tense, with diplomatic efforts facing significant challenges amid differing priorities and demands from the involved parties.
