Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has agreed to a cease-fire proposal aimed at ending the ongoing conflict in Gaza, according to US Secretary of State Antony Blinken. The next step requires approval from Hamas. The Biden administration is striving to conclude the 10-month conflict.
Blinken, on his ninth visit to the region since the October 7 Hamas attack on southern Israel, referred to the proposal as “a bridging agreement.” He noted that while not all details are specified, it builds on a plan President Joe Biden proposed in May, which both sides initially rejected.
Blinken stressed the US commitment to peace, warning that delays increase the risk to hostages and could derail negotiations. Iran and Hezbollah have threatened retaliation for recent assassinations, allegedly by Israel. Blinken’s visit also aims to prevent such actions.
The meeting between Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and US Secretary Antony Blinken has concluded; the meeting was positive and was held in a good atmosphere. pic.twitter.com/vVfnWvi9ih
— Prime Minister of Israel (@IsraeliPM) August 19, 2024
He plans to travel to Egypt and Qatar next, seeking insights from their leaders on Hamas’s stance. Blinken called for an “enduring cease-fire,” a middle ground between Netanyahu’s goal of eliminating Hamas and Hamas’s demand for a permanent end to hostilities and Israeli withdrawal from Gaza.
Netanyahu praised his meeting with Blinken, highlighting US recognition of Israel’s security needs amid truce talks. He prioritised the release of hostages held by Hamas in the initial phase of the cease-fire. Demonstrators in Tel Aviv, carrying photos of the hostages, urged Blinken to pressure Netanyahu to agree to the deal.
Earlier, Blinken met with Israeli President Isaac Herzog and Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, offering condolences for the recent terrorist attacks on Israeli soldiers and civilians. Gallant stressed the importance of continued military and political pressure on Hamas to secure the hostages’ return to Israel.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions asked about this news
Has Netanyahu accepted a cease-fire proposal for Gaza?
Yes, Netanyahu has accepted a cease-fire proposal pending Hamas’s acceptance.
What did Blinken say about the cease-fire proposal?
Blinken called it “a bridging agreement” that builds on Biden’s May proposal.
What is Blinken’s next step after meeting Netanyahu?
Blinken will travel to Egypt and Qatar to understand their leaders’ insights on Hamas.
What is Netanyahu’s priority in the cease-fire deal?
Netanyahu prioritizes the release of the maximum number of living hostages held by Hamas.
What has Iran and Hezbollah’s response been to recent events?
Iran and Hezbollah have vowed retribution for recent assassinations they attribute to Israel.
