US Secretary of State Antony Blinken emphasized securing a Gaza ceasefire during his current visit to the Middle East, urging regional nations to pressure Hamas into accepting a truce. Arriving in Cairo on Monday, Blinken discussed the proposal with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi before traveling to Israel to meet with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Blinken reiterated the importance of President Joe Biden’s ceasefire plan, which includes a six-week halt in fighting, the release of hostages, and a framework for long-term peace negotiations. Blinken pointed to Hamas as a key obstacle to ending the conflict, stating, “My message to governments throughout the region, to people throughout the region, if you want a ceasefire, press Hamas to say yes.”
In Cairo, Blinken renewed US calls for Hamas to accept the truce, emphasizing that Washington holds Hamas accountable for prolonging the war. The US proposal, made public by Biden in late May, has faced resistance from Hamas, which demands a complete Israeli withdrawal from Gaza and a permanent ceasefire.
Blinken’s visit includes stops in Israel, Qatar, and Jordan. In his meeting with Netanyahu, Blinken reassured Israel of the US’s “ironclad” support, while promoting the Biden administration’s comprehensive ceasefire proposal. This plan, although characterized by Biden as originating from Israel, suggests a coordinated international effort for a peaceful resolution and increased humanitarian aid in Gaza.
Despite US assertions, Israel has not uniformly accepted the plan. Israeli officials, including Netanyahu, insist on continuing military actions against Hamas until the group’s influence is eradicated. Concurrently, Hamas has reiterated its conditions for a ceasefire, focusing on ending hostilities and securing Israeli troop withdrawal.
Blinken acknowledged the complex negotiations and thanked Egypt for mediating with Hamas. He underscored the necessity of a ceasefire not only to end the current violence but also to set the stage for Gaza’s future. The US is pushing for a reformed Palestinian Authority (PA) to eventually govern Gaza, rejecting the possibility of continued Hamas control.
The US truce plan aligns with a broader strategy to address Gaza’s long-term security and governance issues. Blinken highlighted the need for concrete post-war plans to ensure stability and reconstruction in Gaza, and criticized the Israeli government for lacking a definitive vision for the territory beyond military operations.
During the Cairo talks, both Blinken and el-Sisi agreed to intensify efforts towards a ceasefire and address humanitarian needs in Gaza. The Egyptian presidency emphasized the urgency of removing barriers to humanitarian aid to alleviate the worsening conditions in the territory.
The ongoing conflict, sparked by Hamas’s attack on Israel on October 7, has resulted in significant casualties and a humanitarian crisis in Gaza, with severe restrictions on essential supplies. Blinken’s visit reflects a critical diplomatic effort to halt the violence and lay the groundwork for future peace in the region.
