US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has called on Hamas to accept a ceasefire deal with Israel, emphasizing that it should be a “no-brainer” for the militant group. However, Blinken expressed doubts regarding the intentions of Hamas’s leadership in Gaza.
Speaking at the McCain Institute’s Sedona Forum, Blinken highlighted the ongoing negotiations facilitated by Egypt and Qatar aimed at temporarily halting Israel’s offensive. He emphasized the importance of Hamas seizing the opportunity for a ceasefire and the release of hostages.
Despite US efforts to engage indirectly with Hamas through intermediaries, Blinken acknowledged the challenges of negotiating with the group, which is considered a terrorist organization by the United States and Israel.
Regarding Israel’s military actions, Blinken cautioned against an assault on the southern Gaza city of Rafah, stressing the need to protect civilians. He emphasized that Israel must present a credible plan to safeguard civilians in harm’s way before any major military operation.
Global criticism of the conflict’s toll on civilians has intensified, prompting pressure on the Biden administration to address the situation. The war erupted following Hamas’s attacks, resulting in significant casualties and hostages.
Additionally, Blinken discussed his recent meeting with Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, noting the kingdom’s interest in normalization with Israel. However, Saudi Arabia has emphasized the importance of a pathway to a Palestinian state, a condition that must be met for normalization to proceed.
Overall, Blinken’s remarks underscored the urgency of reaching a ceasefire in the conflict and the need for diplomatic efforts to address the underlying issues in the region.
