US and UK call on Hamas to accept ‘generous’ truce terms from Israel
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken stated that Hamas is the primary obstacle to a ceasefire in Gaza.
Antony Blinken, the U.S. Secretary of State, encouraged Hamas to swiftly accept the Israeli negotiators’ “extraordinarily generous” offer for a limited ceasefire in exchange for the release of hostages in Gaza.
Negotiations between Hamas and Israeli government representatives have been ongoing to reach an agreement to temporarily halt the Israeli military operations in Gaza in exchange for the release of hostages taken by Hamas on October 7th.
A representative for Hamas acknowledged receiving the latest offer from Israeli negotiators and stated that they were evaluating the proposal without disclosing the terms.
Speaking at a World Economic Forum event in Riyadh, Mr. Blinken emphasized the fairness of the terms and urged Hamas to promptly make a decision to facilitate a ceasefire in Gaza.
Israeli forces have been conducting military operations in Gaza since October 7th and aim to eliminate Hamas and secure the release of hostages. The negotiations have faced challenges related to the number of hostages to be released and the duration of the ceasefire.
British Foreign Minister David Cameron echoed Blinken’s call for Hamas to accept the terms, emphasizing the generosity of the offer, allowing for a 40-day ceasefire and the release of potentially thousands of Palestinians.
Biden Admin Not Backing Rafah Operation
Concerns have been raised by President Biden’s administration regarding potential Israeli military operations in Rafah, a southern city in Gaza where many displaced residents seek refuge.
Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz reiterated that the priority remains the release of hostages and indicated a willingness to suspend operations in Rafah if a deal is reached.
Mr. Blinken emphasized the importance of protecting civilians and stated that the administration does not support a major military operation in Rafah without a plan ensuring civilian safety.
Long-Term Peace
Both Mr. Blinken and Mr. Cameron expressed hopes for long-term peace in the Israel-Palestine conflict through the eventual recognition of a Palestinian state.
They highlighted the need for Hamas to leave Gaza, dismantle terrorist infrastructure, and ensure security for Israel to pave the way for a Palestinian state.
The normalization of ties between Saudi Arabia and Israel is contingent on calm in Gaza and a credible pathway to Palestinian statehood, according to Mr. Blinken.
Arab states advocate for Israel’s acceptance of a pathway to Palestinian statehood over captured land from the 1967 Six-Day War, a stance resisted by the Netanyahu government.
Hamas has expressed willingness to agree to a truce with Israel for five years or more and to transition into a political party if an independent Palestinian state is established along pre-1967 borders.
Reuters and the Associated Press contributed to this article.
