On Monday, Israel indicated its acceptance of President Biden’s cease-fire plan aimed at ending the ongoing conflict in Gaza, which has lasted for 10 months. However, the effectiveness of the plan hinges on Hamas’s response.
Secretary of State Antony Blinken, speaking from Israel, revealed that the plan, formulated by the White House in collaboration with Qatar and Egypt, seeks to bridge the divide between the warring parties. He stated that Prime Minister Netanyahu has “accepted” the proposal.
“He supports it,” Blinken confirmed. “It’s now incumbent on Hamas to do the same.”
“The parties – with the assistance of mediators, namely the United States, Egypt, and Qatar – must come together and finalize the process of reaching clear understandings regarding the implementation of the commitments made under this agreement,” he emphasized.
While Blinken did not disclose specifics of the proposal, and Netanyahu has yet to formally agree to a cease-fire, both sides acknowledge complex issues that require difficult decisions before the conflict can be considered over.
“However, I believe there’s a strong sense of urgency across the region to bring this to a close as quickly as possible,” Blinken added. “The United States is deeply dedicated to achieving this outcome – and achieving it now.”
This news of Netanyahu’s apparent acceptance of the plan follows a two-and-a-half-hour meeting between Blinken and the Israeli Prime Minister, culminating months of negotiations.
The proposal is expected to include provisions ensuring the release of all hostages held since Hamas’s attack on October 7, 2023.
It remains unclear whether the proposal excludes Israeli control over strategic corridors within Gaza, such as the Philadelphi Route, which has been a point of contention in past peace agreements.
However, according to an anonymous source familiar with the meeting between Netanyahu and Blinken, “the Americans did not reject Israel’s strategic logic.”
This source asserted that Israel remains steadfast in its position that the route is a security concern as long as Hamas remains active.
Blinken’s visit to Israel marked his ninth trip to the region since the war began. He is scheduled to travel to Egypt and Qatar in the coming days.
Concerns persist within the region regarding the potential for a wider regional conflict, fueled by threats from Iran and other Islamic extremist groups, such as Hezbollah.