Antony Blinken, the US Secretary of State, has confirmed that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has accepted a “bridging proposal” presented by Washington to address disagreements hindering a ceasefire deal in Gaza.
He also requested Hamas to respond positively to the proposal. After talking with Israeli officials for nearly half of the day, including a 2 hour and 30 minute session with Netanyahu, this move is being seen as potentially the best and perhaps last chance for an agreement.
Negotiations in Qatar to secure ceasefire and hostage return deals paused without a breakthrough last week but are expected to pick up again based on the US-proposed bridging initiative aimed at narrowing differences between Israel and Hamas.
Blinken’s trip comes as election pressures have increased during an Democratic party national convention, raising questions over Joe Biden’s position amid unrest caused by the conflict.
However, despite announcing a resumption of suicide bombings in Israel and claiming responsibility for Sunday night’s blast in Tel Aviv, tensions persist on the ground. At least 30 Palestinians were reportedly killed by Israeli military strikes in Gaza on Monday. There had been earlier reports that had raised concerns about a wider war.
“We have just had a very constructive meeting with Prime Minister Netanyahu today who indicated that Israel accepts this bridging proposal – he supports it,” Blinken informed journalists in Tel Aviv.
“What we now need is for Hamas to do likewise; then all these parties can come together under mediators like Egypt, Qatar or America and finish off how they will honour their obligations under this accord.”
However, even though there was optimism expressed by both sides after what was termed as a positive meeting at Netanyahu’s office, striking such accord remains challenging. Both sides are saying that negotiation would be tough. For months now key issues remain unchanged. Israel insists on ending war only when it destroys Hamas as both political and armed force while Hamas calls for full ceasefire.
Major disagreements include continued Israeli military presence within Gaza, especially along the Egypt border, free movement of Palestinians inside Gaza and exact details of a prisoner exchange. Hamas officials have complained that the US is biased towards Israel which complicates this process.
“When Blinken says that the Israelis agreed, and then the Israelis say that there is an updated proposal, this means that the Americans are subject to Israeli pressure and not the other way around. We believe that it is a maneuver that gives the Israelis more time,” senior Hamas official Osama Hamdan told Reuters.
The current Gaza conflict began on October 7th 2023 after Hamas gunmen attacked Israeli communities. For Israeli victims only it resulted in 1200 deaths and seized about 250 hostages according to Israel’s count. In response, Israel’s military operations have left major impact on Gaza Strip with almost its entire population of close to two million people being displaced leading to severe humanitarian situations. Palestinian health authorities indicate at least forty thousand dead in Gaza.
Blinken met President Herzog and Prime Minister Netanyahu on Monday when he made his ninth trip to this area since hostilities started as well as prior talks with Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant; Egypt and Qatar itinerary also feature in the next few days.
The 3 cease fire talks this week are reportedly conditional on the agreement concerning security mechanism for the Philadelphia Corridor across Egypt and Gaza, according to Egyptian Security Sources.
The United States has recommended an international presence in the area which could be acceptable if not exceeding six months time.
For Israel, hostage families stubbornly ask for a bargain. “My daughter and other hostages depend on you,” said Ayelet Levy-Shachar on Kan Radio about her daughter Naama (20) who was captured at an army base. In Tel Aviv, people held up US flags and placards stating “Hostage deal now,” “Hey Joe! Mr Biden help us save them” or “They have no time”.
Gazan Palestinians remain doubtful of Blinken’s visit. Hanan Abu Hamid who once lived in Rafah town says ,“They are lying just to destroy us more and more. Kill us and kill our children, starve us and make us homeless. Blinken is useless, his visit will harm the Palestinian people.”
Resultantly, the ongoing conflict has escalated regional tensions where it’s been followed by months of border clashes between Israel and Lebanon’s Hezbollah movement raising concerns that great powers could get sucked into broader escalation.
