Blinken Urges Final Push for Gaza Ceasefire and Hostage Release
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken warned on Monday that the current negotiations may represent the “last opportunity” to achieve a ceasefire in Gaza and secure the release of hostages held by militants.
In a meeting with Israeli President Isaac Herzog and later with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Blinken emphasized the urgency of the situation. “This is a decisive moment, probably the best, maybe the last opportunity to get the hostages home and establish a ceasefire,” Blinken stated in Tel Aviv. His visit marks the ninth since Hamas launched attacks on Israel on October 7.
The U.S., Egypt, and Qatar have been mediating indirect negotiations between Israel and Hamas. The latest talks in Qatar ended on Friday without significant progress, but discussions are scheduled to continue in Cairo this week.
“It’s time for it to get done. It’s also time to ensure that no actions derail this process,” Blinken added, urging all parties to avoid provocations and escalatory actions.
Concerns have been growing over potential large-scale attacks on Israel by Iran, Hezbollah, and other actors. Blinken highlighted the U.S. response, noting that President Joe Biden had deployed additional forces to the region to deter any such attacks.
A major sticking point in the ceasefire negotiations remains the control of the border between Gaza and Egypt. Netanyahu insists that the Israeli military must maintain control over the Philadelphi Corridor, while Hamas demands a full Israeli withdrawal as a condition for peace, nearly a year after the October 7 attacks triggered the conflict.
The current peace plan under discussion includes a six-week ceasefire during which hostages held by Hamas would be released in exchange for Palestinians imprisoned in Israel. This would be followed by a permanent cessation of hostilities and the start of reconstruction efforts in Gaza.
