High-Stakes Talks Continue as US Pushes for Ceasefire and Hostage Release
TEL AVIV — US Secretary of State Antony Blinken is gearing up for another round of intense negotiations in Israel on Wednesday as the US ramps up pressure on Hamas to agree to a ceasefire and release hostages. Simultaneously, efforts are being made to prevent an Israeli military offensive in Rafah and address the dire humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
The top US diplomat touched down in Tel Aviv on Tuesday, following visits to Saudi Arabia and Jordan, marking his seventh round of shuttle diplomacy in the region since Hamas’ October 7 attack. Blinken is scheduled to meet with senior Israeli government officials, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
US officials have expressed cautious optimism about the possibility of reaching an agreement to secure a ceasefire and secure the release of hostages held by Hamas. This comes after Israel presented what Blinken described on Monday as an “extraordinarily generous” proposal.
Blinken reiterated on Tuesday that he believes a deal is within reach, stating that Israel has put forth a robust proposal and the US aims to see an agreement materialize “in the coming days.”
Israel has shown a willingness to compromise, shifting the onus to Hamas, according to Blinken. He emphasized, “No more delays. No more excuses. The time to act is now.”
Describing the proposed agreement as the most effective way to alleviate suffering and pave the way for sustainable progress, Blinken stressed the importance of swift action.
However, reaching an agreement is not guaranteed. Negotiators from Egypt, Qatar, the US, and Hamas have convened in Cairo to discuss a new framework proposed by Egypt. This framework calls for the release of up to 33 hostages abducted from Israel in exchange for a halt in hostilities in Gaza, sources familiar with the negotiations revealed. While Israel helped shape the proposal, it has yet to fully endorse it. Israel awaits Hamas’ response before deciding on its next steps.
Despite efforts to secure a deal that promises long-term benefits for Gaza, Blinken will urge Israeli officials to address the immediate humanitarian crisis in the region.
Blinken’s visit comes in the wake of the deadly Israeli strike on a World Central Kitchen aid convoy in Gaza in early April. The incident prompted strong condemnation and calls from the Biden administration for Israel to take action to protect civilians and address the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza.
“If we don’t see the changes that we need to see, there’ll be changes in our own policy,” Blinken cautioned at a news conference last month.
Though Israel committed to certain changes, such as opening new crossings and allowing more trucks into Gaza, implementation has been slow. Aid officials have criticized the Biden administration for focusing on counting trucks rather than addressing the broader crisis.
Blinken revealed that a first shipment of aid from Jordan was finally en route to Gaza via the Erez crossing, but emphasized the need for further action to ensure meaningful impact.
The top US diplomat stressed the importance of a clear, affirmative list of essential products for Gaza residents, emphasizing the need to prevent arbitrary denials of necessary goods.
Blinken is also expected to reiterate warnings against a large-scale military offensive in Rafah, where over a million Palestinians have sought refuge.
“We have not seen a plan that assures effective protection of civilians,” Blinken stated on Monday, casting doubt on the feasibility of such a plan.
Despite Netanyahu’s renewed threats of an offensive with or without a deal, US officials believe an imminent offensive is unlikely. — CNN
