’Complex issues,’ ’hard decisions’ remain over Israel-Hamas cease-fire plan: Antony Blinken
The Hindu
U.S. Secretary of State Blinken negotiates cease-fire and hostage release in Gaza, urging Hamas to cooperate.
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken says that Israel has accepted a proposal to bridge differences holding up a cease-fire and hostage release in Gaza. He called on Hamas to do the same.
Mr. Blinken on Tuesday (August 20, 2024) was on his ninth urgent mission to the Middle East since the war in Gaza began more than 10 months ago. He did not say whether the “bridging proposal” addressed concerns cited by Hamas.
Even if the militant group accepts the proposal, negotiators will spend the coming days working on “clear understandings on implementing the agreement,” Mr. Blinken said. He said there are still “complex issues” requiring “hard decisions by the leaders,” without offering specifics.
Mr. Blinken is traveling to Egypt and Qatar on Tuesday (August 20, 2024) for further negotiations after meetings in Israel on Monday (August 19, 2024).
His visit came days after mediators, including the United States, expressed renewed optimism that a deal was close. His trip also came amid fears the conflict could widen into a deeper regional war following the killings of top militant commanders in Lebanon that Iran blamed on Israel.
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