Blinken Confirms Israel's Acceptance of US Gaza Proposal

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken announced on Monday that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has accepted a "bridging proposal" put forth by Washington to resolve key disagreements preventing a ceasefire deal in Gaza. Blinken emphasized the need for Hamas to also agree to the terms.

Speaking to reporters after a day of intensive meetings with Israeli officials, including a 2.5-hour session with Netanyahu, Blinken highlighted that this might be the best and final opportunity to reach a deal. Negotiations in Qatar last week, aimed at achieving a ceasefire and securing the return of hostages, stalled without a breakthrough but are expected to resume under the new U.S. proposal.

Blinken’s visit occurs as President Joe Biden faces mounting pressure in an election year, particularly within his Democratic Party, where pro-Palestinian protests and concerns about the votes of Muslim and Arab Americans in key swing states are growing.

However, the situation remains tense on the ground. The Palestinian Islamist group Hamas recently resumed suicide bombings inside Israel after years of dormancy, claiming responsibility for an explosion in Tel Aviv on Sunday night. Meanwhile, Israeli military strikes killed at least 30 Palestinians across Gaza on Monday, adding to fears of an escalating conflict.

"In a very constructive meeting with Prime Minister Netanyahu today, he confirmed to me that Israel accepts the bridging proposal - that he supports it," Blinken told reporters in Tel Aviv. "It's now incumbent on Hamas to do the same, and then the parties, with the help of mediators - the United States, Egypt, and Qatar - must come together to finalize the agreement and clarify how they will implement their commitments under this deal."

Challenging Negotiations

Despite optimistic statements from U.S. officials and a positive outlook from Netanyahu’s office, both Israel and Hamas have indicated that reaching a deal will be difficult. Months of on-again, off-again talks have revolved around persistent issues, with Israel insisting that the war can only end with the destruction of Hamas as a military and political force, while Hamas demands a permanent ceasefire, rejecting any temporary arrangements.

Key disagreements remain over Israel's continued military presence in Gaza, particularly along the border with Egypt, the freedom of movement for Palestinians within the territory, and the identity and number of prisoners to be released in a potential swap.

Hamas officials accused Washington of being biased toward Israel. "When Blinken says that the Israelis agreed and then the Israelis say there is an updated proposal, this means that the Americans are succumbing to Israeli pressure. We see it as a maneuver to give Israel more time," said senior Hamas official Osama Hamdan.

The current war in Gaza began on October 7, 2023, when Hamas gunmen infiltrated Israeli communities, killing approximately 1,200 people and abducting about 250 hostages, according to Israeli sources. Israel’s military response has devastated large parts of Gaza, displacing nearly all of its 2.3 million residents, leading to severe hunger and disease, and resulting in the deaths of at least 40,000 people, according to Palestinian health authorities.

Philadelphia Corridor

During his ninth visit to the region since the war began, Blinken met with Israeli President Isaac Herzog and Netanyahu, followed by a meeting with Defense Minister Yoav Gallant. Blinken is scheduled to visit Egypt and Qatar in the coming days.

Egyptian security sources indicated that further ceasefire talks in Cairo this week hinge on agreeing to a security mechanism for the so-called Philadelphia Corridor between Egypt and Gaza. The U.S. has proposed an international presence in the area, which could be acceptable if limited to a six-month period, according to the sources.

In Israel, families of hostages continued their protests on Monday, demanding a deal to secure their loved ones' release. "Don't sacrifice my daughter and the dozens of helpless hostages," pleaded Ayelet Levy-Shachar on Kan Radio. Her daughter, Naama, 20, was captured at an army base. Protesters in Tel Aviv held U.S. flags and signs urging President Biden to help secure a deal.

In Gaza, Palestinians expressed skepticism about Blinken’s visit. "They are lying just to destroy us more and more. Kill us, kill our children, starve us, and make us homeless. Blinken is useless; his visit will harm the Palestinian people," said Hanan Abu Hamid, who was displaced from her home in Rafah.

The conflict continues to escalate tensions across the Middle East, with ongoing border clashes between Israel and Lebanon’s Hezbollah and the looming threat of a broader war that could draw in major global powers.