Top US diplomat Antony Blinken urged Hamas to accept a Gaza truce plan despite an Israeli warning, proposing a 40-day ceasefire in exchange for hostages and more Palestinian prisoners. Hamas is considering the proposal, with official Osama Hamdan stating their position as “negative” for now. Blinken emphasized the importance for Hamas to accept the deal to alleviate Palestinian suffering.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has threatened to send ground forces into Gaza’s Rafah city despite warnings from UN chief Antonio Guterres of the escalation that could result. US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin conveyed a message that any operation in Rafah must include a plan to evacuate civilians and maintain humanitarian aid.
Negotiations for a truce and hostage release deal have been ongoing in Cairo, with Hamas showing interest in ending the conflict but not at any cost. Egypt’s Foreign Minister called on flexibility to stop the bloodshed of Palestinians. Analysts doubt Hamas would agree to a temporary ceasefire without a permanent solution.
The war began with Hamas’s attack on southern Israel, resulting in deaths of civilians on both sides. The conflict has left Gaza in ruins, with concerns of famine looming due to restricted access to essential resources. Aid deliveries are being urged to be accelerated to prevent further humanitarian crisis.
International pressure is mounting on Israel for its conduct in the war, with Colombia cutting diplomatic ties in response. The situation remains intense with efforts to broker a ceasefire and provide much-needed aid to the impacted regions.
