Blinken: Israel-Hamas ceasefire possible within two weeks
US Secretary of State Blinken has said a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas is possible over the next two weeks. The National reported on January 6th that the US has renewed efforts, along with Egypt and Qatar, to bring both Israel and Hamas back to the table in the hope of a ceasefire and the release of hostages.
Amid a surge in Israeli hostilities in Gaza over the weekend, where 105 people were killed in airstrikes, Blinken has stated “we very much want to bring this over the finish line in the next two weeks” before Donald Trump’s inauguration. Hamas have declared they are committed to reaching an agreement as soon as possible. Yet, their conditions include a deal on Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, a permanent ceasefire or an end to the war. In contradiction, Netanyahu and his far-right government have stated they are not prepared to withdraw from the Gaza until their war aims are reached. Their aims include the elimination of Hamas, the return of the hostages, and to ensure Gaza can never threaten Israel again. The continued occupation of Palestinian territory therefore poses a threat to the success of negotiations.
READ: Ceasefire deal in Gaza “coming together” says Blinken
Gaza Ceasefire deal closer than before
Whilst states like Qatar have already attempted to mediate between the two sides, their efforts have been in vain with no agreement being amenable to either side. However, the US, Egypt, and Qatar have renewed their efforts to narrow the gap between the demands of Israel and Hamas. Progress appears to have taken place with a senior Hamas official telling The National on Friday 3, 2024, that “optimism is greater this time compared to before”. It has been reported that the actual names of hostages being considered for release have been presented. With more details being exchanged, the discussions appear more serious than before.
The fear for Hamas and Palestinians is the unpredictability of President-elect Donald Trump, expected to come into office in the next few weeks. Trump has repeatedly said he is the greatest friend to the Jewish people, publicly acknowledged Jerusalem as the capital of Israel, and has said that there will be “hell to pay” if the hostages are not released by the time he takes over the presidency. A source quoted by The National has argued that Israel are motivated to come to an agreement as a “gift to Trump, two days before his inauguration, or two days after his inauguration, and not to Biden”.
The National
