U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken called on Hamas to accept Israel’s latest proposal for a Gaza truce during a diplomatic push to end the conflict. Israel presented a phased truce proposal to Hamas, which involved the release of hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners and a period of sustained calm as part of a ceasefire. Blinken emphasized the urgency of a decision from Hamas to end the conflict and expressed hope that they would make the right choice.
Blinken arrived in Saudi Arabia as part of efforts to facilitate negotiations in the Middle East. He reiterated that the U.S. could not support an Israeli ground assault on Rafah without a plan to protect civilians. Blinken mentioned ongoing work towards normalizing relations between Israel and Saudi Arabia, which has been impacted by the eruption of the Gaza war. He highlighted the need for calm in Gaza and a credible pathway to a Palestinian state as conditions for moving forward with the normalization process.
Arab states are also pushing for Israel to accept a pathway to Palestinian statehood in return for normalizing relations. The conflict between Israel and Hamas began with attacks by Hamas fighters in October, resulting in casualties and a humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Israel retaliated with a siege and military assault that has caused significant destruction and loss of life. The situation has led to severe shortages of essential supplies for Palestinians in the area.
Blinken discussed the importance of a ceasefire to address the crisis and allow for the release of hostages held by Hamas while considering the governance of Gaza after the conflict ends. He is expected to engage with Arab and European countries on reconstruction efforts in Gaza and the potential for a two-state solution to the conflict. Foreign governments and the United Nations have expressed concerns about a potential assault on Rafah and the humanitarian consequences it could have for the area.
Conversations about Gaza’s rebuilding and governance have been ongoing, but a clear mechanism has yet to emerge. The U.S. shares Israel’s goal of eradicating Hamas from Gaza’s future and is exploring options that involve a reformed Palestinian Authority with support from Arab states. The focus remains on finding a path towards lasting peace and stability in the region to prevent further catastrophes. Efforts are being made to address the immediate humanitarian needs in Gaza and create conditions for a sustainable resolution to the conflict.
