Israel vs Hamas War; US Secretary of State Antony Blinken was going back to the Middle East on Monday to advocate for a truce, but Israeli politics and silence from Hamas raised further questions on whether he can succeed at all.
The top US diplomat, making his eighth trip to the region since war began, was set to begin the visit in Egypt before moving on later in the day to Israel.
Blinken is first scheduled to hold closed-door meetings with President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi in Cairo, one of America’s main peace partners, and then with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Jerusalem.
Blinken planned the visit as an effort to move forward with a proposal made by President Joe Biden on May 31. This move is seen as part of Biden’s push for ending a conflict that continues taking a heavy toll on civilians and has alienated parts of his support base ahead of November elections.
However, Hamas which launched this war through a massive attack into Israel on October 7th and triggered a relentless response has not reacted officially.
And while Biden has said his plan is coming from Israel itself, Sunday’s resignation by Benny Gantz –a key centrist— from Netanyahu’s war cabinet throws another wild card into American diplomatic efforts here.
Gantz, whose popularity is soaring ahead of new polls suggesting he will replace Netanyahu if they are held, accused the prime minister over lack of hard decisions needed for “real victory” including post-war planning for Gaza Strip.
In addition to that Gantz asserted that himself was much easier ally than Netanhayu who had been constantly embroiled with political fights. Therefore last weeks have seen Biden suspending arms supply ships destined for Israel accusing Netanyahu of dragging out war solely to stay in power although he quickly denied it afterwards.
Nevertheless Gantz went against Netanyahu when he visited Washington alone this past March. He also meets regularly with Blinken in Israel though no meeting between them had been announced yet for this present trip.
Border crossing dilemma –
In the short run, Gantz’s departure from the war cabinet could leave Netanyahu with no counterweighing force to his far-right allies who detest any form of compromise and have threated to quit if Israel accepts that truce proposal.
Also on Saturday, Israel demonstrated its capacity to secure the release of hostages — its top priority — through means other than negotiations by freeing four Israelis being held and killing 274 others according to Palestinian officials.
Overall, at least 37,084 people in Gaza have been killed in Israel’s retaliation military campaign, most of whom were civilians according to health ministry in the area.
On their part Hamas’s attack against southern Israel happened on October 7th and it resulted in death of 1,194 people (Israeli official figures).
Accordingly, under Biden’s plan Gaza population centres would be evacuated by Israelis while Hamas should release hostages. For an initial six week period there would be a ceasefire with negotiators extending it until a final settlement between both sides is reached.
National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan admitted Sunday that rescuing operation has made it hard to predict what effect it will have on cease-fire talks.
“If Hamas came and said yes to the deal on the table there would be an end to these kinds of operations because we’d be taking our hostages out peacefully rather than using military force,” Sullivan told ABC News.
The US Secretary of State will also talk to Sisi about methods that could be used to open the important crossing at Rafah on Gaza Strip.
The month long closure has exacerbated the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, causing prices of scarce products to skyrocket and increasing fears raised by the UN over famine in this besieged enclave.
Israel captured the crossing from Hamas and has accused Egypt of keeping it closed.
Egypt, which was the first Arab state to establish diplomatic relations with Israel, responded by saying there is a lack of confidence among drivers passing through what is now an Israeli checkpoint.
Blinken had been accompanying Biden in France for a state visit marking the 80th anniversary since Allied troops landed at Normandy during World War II.
Blinken is also set to pay visits two more key Arab allies: Jordan and Qatar; before coming back Wednesday to join Biden at G7 summit in Italy.
