Negotiations in the war between Israel and Hamas in the Gaza Strip recently seemed to be at a standstill. Now there has been a partial success – but everything is still open.
According to US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, Israel has accepted the latest US-backed proposal for a ceasefire in Gaza. Now it is up to Hamas to agree to the proposal, Blinken said during his trip to Israel. He spoke of a “constructive” meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Netanyahu confirmed to him today “in a very constructive meeting that Israel accepts the bridging proposal,” Blinken told journalists in Tel Aviv on Monday. “He supports it. Now it is up to Hamas to do the same.”
Before the meeting with Netanyahu, Blinken met with Israeli President Isaac Herzog. He urged both sides not to let what could be the “last opportunity” for a ceasefire pass. “This is a crucial moment” and “perhaps the best, perhaps the last opportunity” for a ceasefire and the return of the hostages, he said.
Mediators seek compromise in Gaza conflict
Blinken arrived in Israel on Sunday. It is his ninth visit to the region since the Hamas attack on Israel and the subsequent war in the Gaza Strip ten months ago. On Tuesday he will travel to Egypt, after which he is expected to visit Qatar.
The three mediators have been trying for months to reach an agreement between Israel and Hamas. The USA presented the conflicting parties with a new compromise proposal a few days ago. In a joint statement by the mediators USA, Egypt and Qatar, it was subsequently stated that the proposal bridges “remaining gaps”.
Source: Stern
I have been working in the news industry for over 6 years, first as a reporter and now as an editor. I have covered politics extensively, and my work has appeared in major newspapers and online news outlets around the world. In addition to my writing, I also contribute regularly to 24 Hours World.
