US Secretary of State Antony Blinken kicked off another round of crucial discussions in Israel on Wednesday, aiming to intensify pressure on Hamas to agree to a ceasefire and release hostages. Simultaneously, efforts are underway to prevent an Israeli military escalation in Rafah while addressing the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza.
Blinken arrived in Tel Aviv on Tuesday after visiting Saudi Arabia and Jordan, marking his seventh diplomatic mission to the region since Hamas’ attack on October 7. He held a private meeting with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Jerusalem, later joined by Israeli and American officials, including the ambassadors.
“We’re committed to securing a ceasefire to bring the hostages back, and we want it now,” Blinken asserted during a meeting with Israeli President Isaac Herzog. He emphasized that any delay in achieving this goal would be solely attributable to Hamas.
“We must also prioritize the plight of the suffering people in Gaza,” he added, stressing the urgent need for aid including food, water, medicine, and shelter.
Outside the meeting venue in Tel Aviv, protesters gathered, urging President Joe Biden to intervene and “stop the war + save the hostages.” Their chants for the safe return of the Israeli hostages resonated, calling for governmental action to secure their release.
After meeting with Herzog, Blinken personally greeted the protesters, reassuring them of relentless efforts to bring back their loved ones. “Our primary focus is bringing your loved ones home,” he affirmed.
US officials have expressed cautious optimism regarding the potential for a ceasefire agreement and the release of hostages, following Israel’s proposed deal, which Blinken described as “exceptionally generous.”
Blinken reiterated his belief in the achievability of a deal, emphasizing Israel’s readiness to compromise and urging Hamas to act swiftly. “No more delays. No more excuses. The time to act is now,” he emphasized.
While progress is being made, securing an agreement remains uncertain. Negotiators from Egypt, Qatar, the US, and Hamas convened in Cairo to discuss a new framework proposed by Egypt, offering a possible exchange of hostages for a halt in hostilities in Gaza.
