Blinken Urges Hamas To Accept Generous Ceasefire As Israel Plans Gaza Invasion

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken urged Hamas to accept a proposed ceasefire, describing it as “extremely generous” for them. The United States is among several countries mediating between Israel and Hamas since December’s conclusion of a weeklong truce but has failed to get both sides to agree on a permanent deal. Blinken stated that time was running out due to Israeli plans to launch full-scale military operations in the southern Gaza city of Rafah, which is also Hamas’ last stronghold and where over one million Palestinians have fled during the conflict. The secretary made his remarks at the World Economic Forum in Riyadh as he prepared for a tour across the Middle East to consult with local leaders regarding the ongoing dynamics in the region, including ceasefire proposals, Israeli hostages’ release potentials between Israel and Saudi Arabia, Iran’s persistent threat of peace disturbance. According to Sameh Shoukry, Egypt’s Foreign Minister, he was “optimistic” about the proposal as it took into account both sides’ positions. British Foreign Secretary David Cameron also described the offer as “very generous,” noting that its provisions could result in releasing thousands of Palestinians detained by Israel during recent months while maintaining a 40-day ceasefire, which would be an extension to last week’s seven days truce and had demanded three Palestinian prisoners for every Israeli hostage. The U.S., however, opposes the prospective invasion of Rafah due to concerns about significant civilian casualties resulting from it; Biden also expressed his opposition during a recent conversation with Netanyahu. Getting Hamas to accept even temporary ceasefire terms would postpone an Israeli operation in Rafah while negotiations for more permanent solutions continue after six weeks, according to John Kirby of the U.S National Security Council Coordinator’s Office. However, despite several proposals being put forward by mediators like Egypt and Qatar, Hamas leaders have refused them so far.