Palestine (Washington Insider Magazine)— US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has urged Hamas to cease its demands for modifications to a proposed Gaza ceasefire and hostage release agreement. Speaking in Doha, Blinken revealed that while some of Hamas’s requested changes are workable, others are not. The US, with mediators Qatar and Egypt, remains committed to finalizing the deal.
Hamas Shows Willingness but Demands More
On Tuesday, Hamas declared that it was willing to participate constructively in the ceasefire process, stressing that Israel had to consent to a long-term ceasefire and the evacuation of all of Gaza. Speaking anonymously, an Israeli official read Hamas’s reaction as a rejection. Benjamin Netanyahu, the prime minister of Israel, recently met with Blinken and reiterated his support to him, although he has not yet formally endorsed the idea.
International Pressure Mounts
According to BBC, Washington’s diplomatic pressure increased when the UN Security Council adopted a resolution endorsing the ceasefire proposal. The importance and intricacy of the negotiations were highlighted by Blinken’s travel to Qatar, a significant participant that has housed Hamas’s political offices for more than ten years. Blinken is still optimistic that the differences can be overcome, even though he is frustrated by Hamas’s new demands.
Hamas’s Position and Israeli Response
Hamas reiterated its demand that Israeli forces leave completely from Gaza and that all aggressive actions cease. Hamas political bureau member Izzat al-Rishq said the group’s reaction was responsible and serious, suggesting that an agreement might be possible. However, according to an Israeli official, President Biden’s plan was rejected because Hamas’s modifications materially changed the proposal’s core criteria.
Diplomatic Efforts Continue
Despite the setbacks, Blinken affirmed that the US, Qatar, and Egypt would continue to work towards closing the deal. Both Hamas and Israel are encouraged to make concessions to end the conflict. Blinken stressed the importance of planning for post-conflict Gaza, outlining proposals for governance, security, and reconstruction.
Curren Conflict and Humanitarian Crisis
The Israeli military’s campaign in Gaza followed a significant attack on southern Israel by Hamas on October 7, resulting in around 1,200 deaths and 251 hostages taken. Since then, over 37,200 people have been killed in Gaza, according to Hamas-run health ministry figures. A previous deal in November saw the release of 105 hostages by Hamas in exchange for a week-long ceasefire and the release of Palestinian prisoners by Israel. Currently, 116 hostages remain in Hamas’s custody, with 41 presumed dead.
Details of the Proposed Agreement
President Biden outlined a three-phase proposal. The first phase includes a six-week ceasefire, hostage releases by Hamas, and an increase in humanitarian aid. The second phase involves the release of all remaining living hostages and a permanent cessation of hostilities, subject to further negotiations. The third phase focuses on the return of deceased hostages and the initiation of a major reconstruction plan for Gaza.
Internal Israeli Political Dynamics
While the US pushes for progress, Israel’s leadership is divided. Far-right ministers are pressuring Netanyahu to reject the US-backed proposal, threatening to leave the coalition government if the deal proceeds. Netanyahu has not explicitly supported the plan, but he acknowledged that the war cabinet authorized it, The exact details of Israel’s proposal, reportedly more extensive than Biden’s summary, remain undisclosed.