Blinken urges Hamas to accept ceasefire deal
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken concluded meetings with Israeli officials on May 1st, urging the government to consider alternatives to a major Rafah offensive, the New Arab and agencies reported.
Binken has frequently visited the Middle East since the start of Israel’s war with Hamas, often publicly expressing his shock concerning the climbing death rate of Palestinians.
Following a nine-day trip to the Middle East in November, he told reporters that “far too many Palestinians have been killed,” adding that the United States wants “to do everything possible to prevent harm to them and to maximize the assistance that gets to them.”
READ: Israel backpedals on cancellation of Rafah meeting
Similarly, on March 21st Blinken said, “Hamas can be effectively dealt with without a major ground operation in Rafah.”
Officials anticipate a response from Hamas over the current ceasefire proposal, though the group has remained unyielding in its key requirements, one of them being a permanent end to the fighting. This has stalled talks for months, making each side frustrated with the other.
“Hamas needs to say yes and needs to get this done,” said Blinken. “If Hamas actually purports to care about the Palestinian people and wants to see an immediate alleviation of their suffering, it should take this deal.”
Hamas has reportedly been considering a plan for a 40-day ceasefire and the exchange of hostages. Alternatively, Israel remains determined to push ahead with its vast ground offensive in Rafah — where an estimated 1.5 Palestinians seek refuge.
READ: Palestinian group calls for escalation as peace talks stall
Countless world powers have tried to sway Netanyahu against proceeding with more destruction to the city. On April 10th, France, Egypt and Jordan all warned of the “dangerous consequences” that could result from a continued offensive.
Though on April 29th, Israel launched more strikes in Rafah, killing at least 20 civilians and wounding several others.
“This victory requires entry into Rafah and the elimination of the terrorist battalions there,” said Netanyahu on April 8th. “It will happen — there is a date.”
The New Arab and agencies
