WASHINGTON, USA: : US Secretary of State Antony Blinken embarked on a mission to the Middle East on Saturday to advance efforts toward a Gaza ceasefire, amid rising cautious optimism.
This marks Blinken’s ninth visit to the region since Hamas’s October 7 attack on Israel, underscoring the urgency of the situation.
Blinken’s immediate destination is Tel Aviv, where he is expected to meet with Israeli leadership. Although he has visited Arab states on previous trips, no additional stops have been announced for this visit.
Blinken’s departure follows two days of intensive ceasefire talks in Doha, Qatar, brokered by President Joe Biden with the assistance of Egypt and Qatar. US officials reported progress in the discussions, with a proposal now on the table aimed at bridging the gaps between Israel and Hamas. Talks are expected to resume later in the week in Cairo.
President Biden expressed optimism, stating, “We are closer than we have ever been” to securing a ceasefire deal. A US official, speaking on condition of anonymity, indicated that while progress had been made, the process was not yet in its final stages. To ensure swift action if an agreement is reached, diplomats are setting up an “implementation cell.”
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office issued a statement expressing “cautious optimism” about the potential agreement, though Hamas has downplayed the likelihood of an imminent truce.
The proposed plan, introduced by Biden on May 31, includes an initial six-week cessation of hostilities, during which negotiations for a permanent resolution would take place. The plan also includes release of hostages and prisoners. However, Netanyahu faces significant pressure from far-right allies in his government, who may oppose any ceasefire deal.
For President Biden, securing a ceasefire would be a significant achievement as his Democratic Party prepares for its Chicago convention to nominate Vice President Kamala Harris as its candidate. However, the Biden administration faces criticism from pro-Palestinian activists who have vowed to protest in Chicago, expressing anger over what they perceive as excessive US support for Israel.
The conflict, sparked by Hamas’s unprecedented October 7 attack, has resulted in the deaths of 1,198 people in Israel, mostly civilians, according to official Israeli figures. In Gaza, authorities report that over 40,000 people mostly women and children have died, including 15 members of the same family in a recent airstrike.
