Blinken Confirms Israel's Nod to US Gaza Proposal, Calls on Hamas to Agree

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken announced on Monday that Israel has agreed to a proposal aimed at resolving differences hindering a cease-fire and hostage release in Gaza. He urged Hamas to accept the proposal as well, though he did not specify if the latest draft addressed Hamas' concerns. The negotiations have intensified recently, with diplomats hoping to prevent Iran and Lebanon's Hezbollah from retaliating for the targeted killings of two top militants blamed on Israel.

Blinken's comments came after a 2.5-hour meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. He is scheduled to travel to Egypt and Qatar for further discussions. The mediators have been working for months to end the Gaza conflict, but talks have repeatedly stalled. "In a very constructive meeting with Prime Minister Netanyahu today, he confirmed to me that Israel supports the bridging proposal," Blinken told reporters, without detailing the proposal. "The next important step is for Hamas to say yes."

Netanyahu described his meeting with Blinken as "good and important," appreciating the US's understanding of Israel's security interests and their joint efforts to release hostages. He noted that efforts are being made to release as many hostages as possible in the first stage of the cease-fire deal. Blinken mentioned that even if Hamas agrees, negotiators will need days to work on "clear understandings on implementing the agreement."

High-Stakes Negotiations

The ongoing negotiations aim to prevent a broader regional conflict. Blinken emphasized the importance of avoiding actions that could derail the process or escalate tensions further. "This is a decisive moment, probably the best, maybe the last, opportunity to get the hostages home, to get a cease-fire and to put everyone on a better path to enduring peace and security," he said during talks with Israeli President Isaac Herzog in Tel Aviv.

Hamas has expressed frustration with the US as a mediator, accusing American negotiators of siding with Israel by making new demands that Hamas rejects. The militant group claims it is losing faith in the US's role in the negotiations. Netanyahu stated that there are areas where Israel can be flexible and others where it cannot compromise.

The war began on October 7 when Hamas-led militants entered Israel, killing around 1,200 people and abducting about 250 others. Approximately 110 hostages are still believed to be in Gaza, though Israeli authorities estimate that around a third are dead. More than 100 hostages were released in November during a weeklong cease-fire.

Cease-Fire Proposal

The proposed cease-fire involves a three-phase process where Hamas would release all hostages taken during its October 7 attack. In return, Israel would withdraw its forces from Gaza and release Palestinian prisoners. However, Hamas accuses Israel of adding new demands, such as maintaining a military presence along the Gaza-Egypt border and searching Palestinians returning to their homes in northern Gaza.

Late last week, Egypt, Qatar, and the US reported progress on a deal under which Israel would halt most military operations in Gaza and release Palestinian prisoners in exchange for hostages' release. An Israeli delegation held talks with Egyptian officials about the truce efforts, focusing on the Philadelphi corridor along the Gaza-Egypt border. However, no breakthrough was achieved.

Hamas stated late Sunday that Netanyahu continues to set obstacles by demanding new conditions, accusing him of wanting to prolong the war. "The new proposal responds to Netanyahu's conditions," Hamas said.

Regional Implications

Blinken stressed the urgency of reaching an agreement to prevent further regional escalation. "The challenges, the longer this goes on, the more, again, the hostages will suffer and possibly perish," he said. Mediators will meet again this week to try to finalize a cease-fire agreement.

Israel's counterattack in Gaza has resulted in over 40,000 Palestinian deaths and significant destruction across the territory. The escalating violence has raised fears of an even more destructive regional war.

Blinken's ninth mission to the Middle East since the conflict began comes amid renewed optimism from mediators that a deal is near. However, both sides have expressed dissatisfaction with certain aspects of the latest proposal.

Efforts continue as Blinken travels to Egypt and Qatar for further negotiations aimed at securing a cease-fire and hostage release agreement acceptable to all parties involved.