Devendra Kumar
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken is pushing for a ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas, urging that “the time is now” for an agreement that would free hostages and bring a suspension in the nearly seven months of war in Gaza. Blinken met with Israeli leaders and families of American hostages being held by Hamas, reiterating the US’s position that Hamas would bear the blame if a deal is not reached. The deal on the table would see the release of dozens of hostages in exchange for a six-week halt in fighting, as well as the release of hundreds of Palestinian prisoners held by Israel.
However, a sticking point remains over what happens next. Hamas has demanded assurances that an eventual release of all hostages will bring a complete end to Israel’s assault in Gaza and a withdrawal of its troops from the devastated territory. Israel has offered only an extended suspension, vowing to resume its offensive once the first phase of the deal is over. The issue has repeatedly obstructed efforts by mediators during months of talks.
Despite the challenges, Blinken remains determined to secure a deal, saying that “the only reason that that wouldn’t be achieved is because of Hamas” and that “there’s no time for further haggling. The deal is there.” He has appealed to Hamas to accept the latest proposal, calling it “extraordinarily generous” on Israel’s part. Blinken has also urged Israel to build on the improvement in the delivery of aid to Gaza over the past month and to refrain from invading the southern Gaza city of Rafah, where hundreds of thousands of Palestinians are sheltering.
The fighting in Gaza continues, with Israeli airstrikes and artillery fire targeting Hamas militants and infrastructure. On Wednesday, an Israeli air strike hit a house in central Rafah, killing at least two children, according to hospital authorities. The war in Gaza has killed more than 34,000 Palestinians, according to local health officials, and has driven around 80% of Gaza’s population of 2.3 million from their homes, caused vast destruction in several towns and cities, and pushed northern Gaza to the brink of famine.
Blinken’s meetings with Israeli leaders and families of American hostages held by Hamas have taken place on the last leg of his regional visit, following stops in Saudi Arabia and Jordan. The US has also criticized Israel’s plan to invade Rafah, saying that any major offensive would bring potential harm to civilians and should be avoided. As the talks continue, Blinken remains committed to securing a deal that would bring an end to the conflict and free the hostages.