Blinken urges Hamas to quickly accept ceasefire deal
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken has urged Hamas to quickly agree to an Israeli proposal aimed at establishing a ceasefire in the ongoing Gaza conflict. According to Blinken, the proposal laid out by Israel contains terms that are exceptionally generous, with the potential to bring an end to the hostilities that have gripped the region. His remarks come as a clear indicator of the urgency felt by international observers regarding the situation in Gaza. During a special meeting of the World Economic Forum held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Blinken pointed out that the primary obstacle to achieving a ceasefire is Hamas’ hesitance. The proposal in question involves a truce and the release of Israeli hostages currently held by Hamas. Negotiations are taking place in Cairo, where Hamas representatives have engaged with Qatari and Egyptian mediators. The discussion centers on a phased ceasefire agreement proposed by Israel, initially involving the release of fewer than 40 hostages in exchange for Palestinians imprisoned in Israel. This initial phase would be followed by a "period of sustained calm," a compromise to Hamas’ demand for a permanent ceasefire. The negotiations unfold against a backdrop of significant pressure on Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Netanyahu is dealing with concerns over potential arrest warrants from the International Criminal Court (ICC) for actions related to the Gaza war and internal pressures from far-right allies against agreeing to a ceasefire. Gaza has seen devastating consequences from the conflict, with health authorities reporting approximately 34,500 Palestinian casualties due to Israeli military actions. The ICC is also investigating the cross-border attack by Hamas on October 7, which resulted in the deaths of about 1,200 Israelis and the capture of 253 hostages. Netanyahu has stated that decisions by the ICC would not deter Israel’s actions but warned of setting a dangerous precedent.