On Wednesday, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Jerusalem amid pressure on Hamas to accept a ceasefire agreement proposed by Israel. This meeting marks Blinken’s seventh visit to the Middle East since the outbreak of the conflict between Israel and Hamas on October 7 last year.
During his visit, Blinken held discussions with Israeli President and Prime Minister to strategize on providing more aid to Gaza. The US State Department spokesperson, Matthew Miller, stated that during the meeting with Netanyahu, Blinken discussed efforts to immediately cease fire in Gaza as part of the hostage agreement, emphasizing that Hamas is hindering the ceasefire.
The statement highlighted the improvement in humanitarian aid to Gaza since President Biden’s call with Netanyahu on April 4, stressing the importance of accelerating and sustaining this improvement. Blinken reaffirmed the US commitment to Israel’s security and emphasized the necessity of preventing further escalation of conflict.
While the US position was not explicitly stated in Miller’s statement, it is known that the Biden administration has opposed Israeli attacks on Rafah without a reliable civilian evacuation plan.
Netanyahu reportedly informed Blinken that he would not accept ending the Gaza war as part of a potential hostage agreement. An Israeli official stated that Netanyahu expressed determination to reach an agreement and overthrow Hamas.
Israel presented a new proposal through Egyptian mediators to Hamas last week, expecting a response on Wednesday night. The Prime Minister’s Office informed the Israeli newspaper that Netanyahu made it clear to Blinken that reaching a hostage agreement with Hamas did not mean avoiding an attack on Rafah.
The office stated, “The Rafah operation does not depend on anything. Prime Minister Netanyahu explicitly conveyed this to Secretary Blinken.” Blinken urged Hamas on Monday to swiftly accept Israel’s ceasefire agreement for Gaza and release detained Israeli hostages.
He mentioned the generous proposal from the Israeli side and criticized Hamas for obstructing its realization. Blinken stressed the urgency for Hamas to make the right decision promptly.
A source familiar with the negotiation disclosed to Reuters that Israel’s proposal included releasing fewer than 40 hostages held in Gaza in exchange for Israel releasing Palestinian prisoners held in Israeli jails.
The second phase of the ceasefire will involve a “sustained period of calm”, responding to Hamas’s request for a permanent ceasefire.
Hamas senior official Sami Abu Zuhri refuted Blinken’s accusation of delaying the Gaza ceasefire agreement, stating it was unfair. Zuhri mentioned that Hamas is still reviewing the recent ceasefire proposal and reiterated their commitment to exploring options.
Blinken’s message to Hamas was clear, “No delays, no excuses. It has to be now.”