Israel accepts U.S. ceasefire proposal amid ongoing Gaza conflict
Israel has accepted the compromise proposal put forward by the United States to end the fighting in Gaza, according to the American Secretary of State, BBC reports.
During a diplomatic tour aimed at mediating a ceasefire agreement in the Gaza conflict, Antony Blinken stated that Hamas must also accept the proposal. The American official is continuing his tour with a visit to Egypt, one of the countries mediating negotiations between Israel and Hamas militants. In Cairo, Blinken is participating in further discussions on the Gaza ceasefire. The negotiations are expected to resume this week in Cairo, following the initial two-day round held in Doha last week.
After more than three discussions with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, the American Secretary of State described the dialogue as constructive.
"In a very constructive meeting with Prime Minister Netanyahu, he confirmed that Israel accepts and supports the proposal. It is now Hamas’s turn to do the same," said Antony Blinken, U.S. Secretary of State.
"I greatly appreciate the efforts the U.S. is making in regional defence against the Iranian axis. This is, of course, important for Israel. I also appreciate the U.S. understanding of our vital security interests, as part of our joint efforts to secure the release of the hostages," said Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Analysts are sceptical about the likelihood of a ceasefire agreement. However, they believe that the United States is likely warning Israel that there will be consequences if it does not agree to a ceasefire in Gaza. Last week in Doha, the United States, along with Egypt and Qatar, proposed a plan to resolve the differences between Israel and Hamas. The U.S. Secretary of State is now on another diplomatic tour, working to promote compromise solutions.
Relatives of the Israeli hostages are also calling for an end to the conflict. They took to the streets during Blinken's visit, urging him to pressure officials to reach an agreement.
"We know that only with substantial assistance from the U.S. administration can an agreement be reached. I want my son to be free; I want him home," said one relative.
A total of 115 hostages remain in captivity—men, women, both civilians and soldiers—as well as two children, at least one-third of whom have been declared dead in absentia by Israeli authorities.
Meanwhile, the Israeli army continues its operations in Gaza, announcing the destruction of a 1.5-kilometer tunnel used by terrorists in Khan Younis, where they found weapons, explosives, and other equipment.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
