Earlier on there was a ceasefire deal between the U.S and Hamas. The recent efforts to establish a ceasefire in Gaza are at a critical juncture. The U.S. has presented an Israeli proposal for a phased ceasefire, which includes a six-week cessation of hostilities, the withdrawal of Israeli forces from populated areas in Gaza, and the release of hostages by Hamas in exchange for Palestinian prisoners. This plan also involves substantial humanitarian aid and negotiations for a permanent end to the conflict, followed by a significant reconstruction initiative for Gaza.
While Hamas has indicated a positive reception to the proposal, it has requested some changes. The response from Hamas is crucial as it determines whether the ceasefire plan can proceed. Concurrently, international mediators, including Egypt and Qatar, are working intensively to secure an agreement before the onset of Ramadan.
The humanitarian situation in Gaza remains dire, with urgent needs for food and medical supplies amid ongoing conflict. The international community is keenly observing these developments, hoping for a resolution that can bring relief to the beleaguered region.
Now the Gaza Ceasefire Deal comes to a Crossroads as US Urges Hamas to Halt Negotiations
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has called on Hamas to end the prolonged negotiations over a proposed Gaza ceasefire and hostage release deal, urging that “it’s time for the haggling to stop.” Speaking to reporters in Doha, Blinken acknowledged that while some of Hamas’s proposed changes to the plan were workable, others were not. He emphasized that the US, alongside mediators Qatar and Egypt, would continue efforts to finalize the agreement.
Hamas has expressed a willingness to engage positively with the process but has stressed the necessity for Israel to commit to a permanent ceasefire and a full withdrawal from Gaza. Although the Israeli government has not officially commented, an anonymous source indicated that Hamas’s response was seen as a rejection. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has yet to publicly endorse the proposal, but US President Joe Biden confirmed that Netanyahu reaffirmed his commitment to the deal during a recent meeting in Jerusalem.
Adding to the diplomatic pressure, the UN Security Council passed a resolution supporting the ceasefire proposal, underscoring the international community’s backing for the plan.
In a meeting marked by warm gestures and shared smiles, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken met with Qatari Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdul Rahman Al Thani to discuss the Gaza ceasefire negotiations. Qatar, having hosted Hamas’s political offices for over a decade, plays a crucial role in facilitating dialogue between Hamas and Israel.
During the joint news conference, Blinken conveyed his exasperation over Hamas’s recent demands for changes to the US-backed ceasefire proposal. He pointed out that the current deal closely mirrors a proposal Hamas had initially put forth on May 6. Blinken expressed frustration that instead of simply agreeing, Hamas took nearly two weeks to propose new changes, complicating the agreement process and prolonging the conflict. “As a result, the war that Hamas started will go on, more people will suffer, Palestinians will suffer, more Israelis will suffer,” Blinken remarked.
Hamas’s statement reiterated their demand for a complete cessation of Israeli aggression and a full withdrawal from Gaza. Izzat al-Rishq, a member of Hamas’s political bureau, described their response as “responsible, serious, and positive,” suggesting it opened “a wide pathway” to reaching an agreement. However, an anonymous Israeli official countered that Hamas had altered significant parameters of the proposal, effectively rejecting the deal President Biden presented.
Despite these setbacks, Blinken remains hopeful, stating that the gaps in the negotiation are bridgeable, but ultimately, Hamas must decide to move forward. Sheikh Mohammed emphasized that both Hamas and Israel must make concessions to end the conflict, noting a growing call for peace.
Looking ahead, Blinken stressed the importance of planning for the aftermath of the conflict in Gaza. He announced forthcoming proposals for governance, security, and reconstruction to ensure a sustainable end to the war, highlighting the need to develop a comprehensive “day after” plan for Gaza.
The UN Security Council’s recent resolution in support of the ceasefire proposal adds to the diplomatic pressure, emphasizing the global community’s desire for a resolution to the ongoing conflict.
