US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has expressed optimism that a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas was close, signaling a potential breakthrough in negotiations aimed at ending the 5-month-long conflict in Gaza.
During his Wednesday visit to Saudi Arabia, Blinken revealed in an interview with Al Hadath that significant progress had been made towards reaching an agreement, which includes the release of hostages in exchange for a ceasefire.
“It’s getting closer. I think the gaps are narrowing, and an agreement is very much possible. We worked very hard with Qatar, with Egypt, and with Israel to put a strong proposal on the table. We did that; Hamas wouldn’t accept it. They came back with other requests and demands. The negotiators are working on that right now. But I believe it’s very doable, and it’s very necessary,” Blinken said.
“If Hamas cares at all about the people it purports to represent, then it would reach an agreement, because that would have the immediate effect of a ceasefire, alleviating the tremendous suffering of people, bringing more humanitarian assistance in, and then giving us the possibility of having something more lasting,” he added.
Blinken’s statements come at a critical time when the international community is closely watching as Israel prepares to launch a military operation aimed at eliminating the remaining elements of Hamas hiding in Rafah. Hebrew media reports suggest Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is hesitating on the operation after announcing preparations “will take some time.”
