Blinken Issues Final Warning to Israel and Hamas to Cease Gaza Conflict

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Monday emphasized that the ongoing efforts for a Gaza cease-fire and hostage deal represent a crucial opportunity to bring an end to the conflict in Gaza in the foreseeable future.

“This is a critical moment, possibly the best chance, and maybe the last opportunity to bring the hostages back, secure a ceasefire, and set a course towards lasting peace and security,” Blinken told reporters in Jerusalem during his meetings with Israeli President Isaac Herzog and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Israel, Hamas, and other involved parties are expected to engage in discussions regarding a potential deal later this week in Egypt. The urgency for a resolution escalated as concerns grew about the Gaza conflict spilling over to other Middle Eastern nations following warnings from Iran and the recent killings of top Hezbollah and Hamas leaders.

“It’s also essential to ensure that no actions are taken that could derail the progress,” he cautioned, possibly alluding to Iran and organizations like Hezbollah. “We are working to prevent any escalation, provocations, or actions that might hinder the achievement of this deal or worsen the conflict in other regions.”

Late Sunday, Hamas accused Netanyahu of setting new conditions to obstruct a deal, prolonging the conflict. The group claimed that the latest proposal from mediators was yielding to Israeli demands.

Mediators are set to reconvene in Cairo this week to pursue a cease-fire agreement. Blinken will head to Egypt on Tuesday after concluding his visit to Israel, part of a series of trips he has taken since the conflict erupted on October 7, 2023, following a series of Hamas attacks that resulted in the deaths of 1,200 Israeli civilians.

He engaged in a two-and-a-half-hour one-on-one meeting with Netanyahu on Monday and was scheduled to meet with Defense Minister Yoav Gallant later in the day.

Additionally, aside from the fatalities, Hamas kidnapped around 250 civilians. Approximately 110 individuals are believed to still be held by the terrorist group in Gaza, with Israeli officials suggesting that a significant number may have perished.

Iranian officials have been issuing warnings about retaliatory actions against Israel in the near future. Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei of Iran cautioned that his nation would face consequences if it does not respond to Israel after the death of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh.

On August 19, President Joe Biden released a statement from the White House urging parties in the region not to undermine the ongoing diplomatic efforts.

Bombing in Tel Aviv

Blinken’s visit coincided with a suicide bombing near a Tel Aviv synagogue on Monday, for which Hamas and Islamic Jihad claimed responsibility.

In their statement, the groups vowed to continue attacks as long as Israeli occupation and hostilities persist.

The attacker’s identity and motive have yet to be disclosed.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.